IPOB: US Lawmaker Seeks Support For Kanu’s Release

BY CHINEDU AROH

A member of the State of Texas House of Representatives in the United States of America, Mr Jarvis Johnson, has appealed to the US Congress to use their good offices to effect the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, from the custody of Nigeria’s Department of State Services, DSS.Johnson’s plea is contained in a press release made available to THE WHISTLER in Awka, Anambra State, by Kanu’s special counsel, Barr Aloy Ejimakor, on Wednesday. Johnson, among others, stressed the need for Kanu’s immediate release as a result of his failing health.

According to him, “For months now, it is public knowledge that Kanu’s health condition has deteriorated, and continues to do so on a daily basis. He suffers from serious heart condition and other ailments for which he is not getting medical attention. There is growing concern/fear that the present government of Nigeria intends to assassinate or cause his disappearance prior to May 29, 2023 when it plans to hand him over to an incoming administration.”

While appealing to his colleagues to ‘use their good offices to urgently intervene with the government of Nigeria to immediately and unconditionally release Kanu from his solitary confinement and end his extraordinary rendition to Nigeria’, the lawmaker added that, “The right of self-determination is a natural right, and is enshrined in our foundational document—The Declaration of Independence and Constitution. It has been, and is our policy and practice to support this right as we are now doing in Ukraine. What is good for the Ukrainians is also good for Kanu and the Igbo race.”

The Congressman recalled how Kanu, a British citizen, travelled to Nairobi, Kenya, from UK on May 12, 2021 and was ‘legally admitted into Kenya’, and how consequently he was ‘abducted in Nairobi by the agents of Nigeria’, adding that ‘he disappeared in Nairobi and was tortured for eight days’.

In his words, “On June 27, 2021, he was extradited by the government of Nigeria to Nigeria. This fact has been admitted by the government of Nigeria via its minister of justice, Mr Abubakar Malami. It was also confirmed by the then Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, who shortly thereafter, died under mysterious circumstances.

“That Kanu was extra-ordinarily extradited/renditioned has been judicially affirmed by the Nigerian courts and the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention. As a result of the persistence and consistent efforts of the Kanu family, the UK’s Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and its Foreign Affairs Committee (FAC) have engaged in insufficient efforts to secure his release from Nigerian government’s extraordinary rendition.”

He regretted that despite UN Working Group’s and Nigeria’s courts ‘discharging and acquitting Kanu of all charges, and ordering/directing his unconditional release, the government of Nigeria ‘continues to disobey its own court orders and to ignore the unanimity of laws prohibiting extraordinary rendition’.

He concluded by appealing for the support of fellow Congressmen in accomplishing ‘the urgent, unconditional and immediate release of Kanu’.

Kanu’s IPOB is fighting for the freedom of the old Eastern Region of Nigeria, which hitherto unsuccessfully fought to secede under the name of the Peoples Republic of Biafra from 1966 to 1970.

READ ORIGINAL STORY HERE

NIGERIA: PDP Chieftain Faults Buhari On Nnamdi Kanu, State Police

Muhammadu Buhari

BY ADEJOKE ADELEYE

PM NEWS

A chieftain of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Segun Sowunmi has said the position of President Muhammadu Buhari on the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, as he espoused during his interview on television on Thursday showed that he has not gotten over the shock of civil war.

The President had in the interview said he will not interfere in the ongoing treason trial of the IPOB leader or accede to request to release him from detention.

But Sowunmi said the tone of the President Kanu and IPOB was certainly not re-conciliatory nor reflective of the need to heal and unite the country.

In the same vein, Sowunmi said the President’s opposition to establishment of state police was not well thought out.

The PDP Chieftain noted that with the increasing population of the country, the attendant security challenges will naturally demand a multilayered policing framework and therefore Buhari’s decline to sign state police is not progressive.

“It is clear that the needed level of reflections has not gone into the opposition to state police by Mr President, the truth of the matter is that the multifaceted security challenges we have all over the country makes it imperative for the Fact and all leaders of goodwill to rethink this state police issue.

“If President Buhari is unwilling, he will find out with time, that he can only delay it, for an idea whose time has come cannot be killed.

“The population of the country is increasing, the attendant security challenges will naturally demand a multilayered policing framework. To obstinately say no is certainly not progressive.”

“On the Igbo issues generally and the Nnamdi Kalu specifically, it is most unfortunate that it seems the president has not gotten over the civil war after all these years, the tone is certainly not re-conciliatory nor reflective of the need to heal and unite the country.

“No one is interested in a crisis nor is a nation that is not harmonious with itself the best legacy for the president’s generation to bequeath to Nigeria,” Sowunmi said.

Kanu’s Lawyer Reacts To Killings And Burning Of His Home In Anambra

IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu

BY VERITY AWALA

ORAIFITE (INFORMATION NIGERIA)--Ifeanyi Ejiofor, lawyer to leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu has reacted to the alleged killings and burning of his home in Oraifite, Ekwusigo local government area of Anambra state.

Ejiofor said this as he urged the international community to investigate the incident which has rendered him homeless and many dead.

He said this barely 24hours after he was declared wanted by the Police over allegations of armed robbery, conspiracy, murder, treasonable felony and arson.

He said, “I am calling on responsible International Organisations, European Union, United Nations, United States of America, United Kingdom and also Amnesty International, to get involved and investigate the carnage in my house because as I speak to you now, I am homeless. They have burnt down virtually everything.”

“No Police was killed. They took the corpses of the people they killed in my house to Onitsha/Owerri expressway, burnt them and also burnt the vehicle.

“It is important to clarify that many people were killed in that process. Now I learned that many people that we’re running into the houses were burnt down along.

“So until when access is given to people who will investigate what transpired in my house, then we can be able to determine the number of people that were actually killed.

“Because I can assure you that twenty to thirty people have been murdered in my house on account of this incident. And my mum also was gunned down. She sustained bullet injuries, though she is receiving treatment.

“So I do not know the offences I have committed to becoming a lawyer of IPOB. I do not know where I got it wrong. This is a person that has been at home from Sunday 27th of November 2019 till Sunday 1st of December 2019, when we went for the afternoon service,” he stated.

According to Ejiofor, the Area commander was in his house at about 6:00 am where he promised to be in his office at about 10:00 am to11:00am.

He said he was shocked when he was informed that his home had been overrun by the military personnel.

His words, “On Sunday, being the 1st day of December 2019, at about 8-9 pm, I was called by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Oraifite Police Station. He never passed any message to me.

“Then in the morning of Monday 2nd December 2019, at about 6 am, I got a call from my elder brother, Evangelist Emeka Ejiofor, that the Nigerian police had invaded my premises, led by the Area Commander himself.

“So I requested to speak with the Area Commander and the request was obliged. The conversation was fairly recorded. I requested to know why they were in my house because, at the time in question, I was not around.

“So, he said that they came for one of my wards who participated in local conflict and demanded to see me, but I told him that I was out somewhere and will be back by probably around 10:30 to11am.

“And that when I come back, I will come to the station to see him and find out what really transpired and why he was at my house. So he said ok that he will grant me that request but he emphasized that time is of the essence and I should keep to it.

“So I became worried because I came back since 24th of November 2019 for my brother’s burial and have been around since then. The burial was conducted on Thursday 27th of November 2019.

“We stayed till Sunday 1st December 2019, when we went out for afternoon service. I never had any issues with anybody. I never stepped out of my house. I have been indoors, receiving visitors and sympathizers from all works of life.

“When I came back around 10 am, I briefly had a discussion with my mother, whom I told that I was going to see the Area Commander find out why they were in my house.

Read Also: Kanu’s lawyer declared wanted over officers’ death

“But on second thought, I decided to go and see my uncle who will accompany me in that movement. So I had already left my house to my uncle’s place where I would pick him. And that served as a saving grace to the carnage and disaster because the target was me.

“We were on our way going to the Area Commander’s office, taking Ama conventional road, when I got a call from my younger brother that policemen were in my house and they had opened fire on all living objects in my home including all persons in my house.”

Ejiofor further explained that he was shocked by reading the statement from the State Police Command’s report.

“Assuming without considering the fact that someone lodged a complaint against me in the case of abduction and all those frivolous offences, is that sufficient enough to warrant them using force on the people they found in my premises? Firing at random, killing people there and also burning houses?

“I am a lawyer with addresses. I have two chambers, one in Abuja and one at Anambra State and I practice. I am a very serious legal practitioner. I go to court almost every day. So I am not going to run away from the police.

He said he has enjoyed over ten years of unbroken relationship with the police higher ranks.

“They can attest to that fact at Abuja. They know me as a peaceful man and as a gentleman. I relate with them at all capacity. I do not look for the problem and I am not an enemy of the police. So why should they invade my house? Why should such a thing happen?” he queried.

Meanwhile, the Police Command has maintained that a case was lodged against the lawyer, adding that the identity of the complainant was being kept secret for security reasons.

Speaking through the Police spokesperson, Haruna Mohammed, the police also queried the alleged surroundings of his residence with members of the pro-Biafran group.

He said, “In my press release I stated clearly that there was a complaint of the alleged abduction, assault occasioning harm and malicious damage against the suspect which he also confirmed in the video he circulated in the social media.

“If he is not dangerous, why did he surround his house with armed men suspected to be IPOB members when he knew that Police are coming after declining Police invitation?

“You don’t need a lawyer to tell you that charges can only come when the investigation is concluded and a prima facie case established.






“As to who is the complainant, Police has a duty to conceal his identity for security reasons especially in a sensitive matter such as this.”

Supposing Nnamdi Kanu Is Right About President Buhari And Nigeria? (1)

BY DOUGLAS ANELE

VANGUARD, JAN. 27, 2019

Nnamdi Kanu via Vanguard

Last week, I tried to put on record in the form of thanksgiving certain individuals that helped me navigate successfully the treacherous waters of 2018. But then, the list was incomplete due to the fallibility of human memory. As a matter of fact, I omitted the names of some really good people who, to be candid, contributed more to my life in the period under consideration than some of those whose names were mentioned in last week’s essay. Therefore, the error has to be corrected before we proceed with the topic for today.

First, is my good friend John Festus Ikechukwu (or Jifoo, as I fondly call him), Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Publishers Express. Jifoo, thank you very much for being a friend indeed. I also remember with gratitude Peter Iheanacho, who demonstrated concretely the true meaning of the Igbo saying “ezigbo enyi kariri nwanne” (a good friend that is greater than a brother). I wish him and his family the very best in 2019. Brother Julius, Dr. Gangan, Gautami and all members of Brahma Kumaris Spiritual University, Ilupeju – I am grateful to all of you for your loving-kindness.

Moreover, although I do not accept some of the fundamental doctrines of your faith, I learnt some useful lessons in humility, non-violence, kindness, contentment, peace and the beauty of simple living by interacting with you. One of these days, I will honour Brother Julius’ invitation to visit Brahma Kumaris spiritual headquarters at Mount Abu in India not as a convert but as a spiritual sceptic willing to learn. I recall with sadness the late Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Prof. Adetokumbo Babatunde Sofoluwe.

He not only encouraged me several times to put my versatile academic talent to work and get my professorship as soon as possible, he also sent me materials relevant to my area of specialisation – the Philosophy of Science. Certainly, Prof. Sofoluwe cannot read my thanksgiving to him, and he is not around to witness the fulfilment of his encouraging words after I became a full Professor because he has transited into the unfathomable abyss of nothingness.

Biafra: Court threatens to order Abaribe, others arrest, try Kanu in absentia However, it is psychologically satisfying to publicly acknowledge his role in my academic progression. Dr. David Ekwoaba of the Medical Centre at the Akoka campus of the University of Lagos is a good example of what a medical doctor should be – knowledgeable, humane, understanding and compassionate. The prompt and sympathetic manner with which he handled my health issues and those of my family and a close friend shows that he is a good brother indeed. I am grateful for his care and expertise.

Now that I have paid my due to these worthy individuals, it is time to discuss the question, supposing it is true, as Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), has repeatedly claimed, that the current person parading himself as our President is an impostor and that Nigeria is a “damnable zoological republic” or “zoo,” what does it portend for the future of Nigeria and Nigerians? In other to understand the significance of that question, it is necessary to situate it within the context of the current political situation in Nigeria.

When Major-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari contested and won the 2015 presidential election in spite of warnings from Nigerians like myself that he will not be a good President because of his nepotic predilections, advancing age and questionable health condition, dictatorial antecedents, mediocre education, archaic understanding of modern economic management and dubious anti-corruption reputation among others, there was what later turned out to be premature excitement throughout the north and most states in the south-west. Buharimaniacs gloated about Buhari the “messiah” or “redeemer”, “the new sheriff in town” that has finally emerged to undo the damage of the past administrations of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The slogans “Sai baba, Sai Buhari” and “Change” had an intoxicating effect on many Nigerians, to the extent that buharimania, the mental disease characterised by irrational adoration or apotheosis of Muhammadu Buhari, spread like wildfire. It was so contagious that even respected ageing Professors and professionals discarded their thinking caps and uncritically jumped into the Buhari bandwagon.

The unsavoury memories of the military dictator from Daura were deliberately suppressed and his featherweight anti-corruption credentials were hyperbolised beyond what can be historically corroborated. After his inauguration, President Buhari made the very ominous revanchist statement that his administration will render justice to all Nigerians based on the puzzling mathematical calculus of 97% versus 5%, as determined by the quantum of votes he received during the election. And since he received the least number of votes from the south-east, it was evident to discerning observers that Igboland would be dealt with by Buhari. It never occurred to the President that his antediluvian Mosaic attitude of “an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth” is decidedly unpresidential in a globalising world in which a democratically elected President is expected to run an inclusive government where every segment of the geo-ethnic architecture of Nigeria must be given a sense of belonging in the areas of critical federal appointments and developmental projects as well as infrastructure.

After Buhari had constituted his kitchen cabinet without an Igbo in it, I realised that he was dead serious about the 97% and 5% inequality and that Ndigbo will bear the brunt of his anger having voted overwhelmingly for Dr. Goodluck Jonathan. Now, anytime President Buhari is accused of neglecting Igboland, he responds by pointing out the five Igbo ministers in his cabinet, forgetting that he did not do the south-east a favour by appointing them, that he was merely fulfilling the constitutional provision which stipulates that the President must appoint at least a minister from each state.

I have no doubt that without that mandate from the constitution, the five states that constitute the south-east geopolitical zone would be lucky to have two representatives in Buhari’s cabinet. That some Igbo, like the Dr. Chris Ngige, Osita Okechukwu, Joe Igbokwe and Lauretta Onochiie among others have the audacity to justify President Buhari’s unreasonable condescending treatment of their own people shows how low some members of the so-called Igbo elite would stoop in order to continue eating from the crumbs that fell from their northern masters’ table.

Having said that, given what is known about President Buhari from the time he participated in the northern revenge coup of July 29, 1966 through the civil war to the periods he was federal commissioner for petroleum resources, military head of state and chairman, Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF), there is no doubt in my mind that Buhari has an instinctive indifference to the concerns of Ndigbo which often manifests as disdain for Igboland. I will cite a few examples to buttress my conclusion. To begin with, Ndigbo have been excluded completely from the topmost echelons of the police and three branches of the military, that is, from the core security architecture of the country. This implies that whenever top security meetings are held, there is no one to represent the Igbo point of view, one of the most numerous ethnic nationalities in Nigeria.

Even in Customs, Immigration, and Civil Defence, the few Ndigbo there have been reduced to the status of subalterns of northerners. Presently, virtually all the most critical departments and agencies of the federal government are headed by northerners and none by the Igbo. Nigerians from other ethnic groups who criticise Ndigbo for complaining about deepening marginalisation by the Buhari government apparently do not appreciate the symbolic and psychological implications of being treated as inconsequential citizens. Keep in mind that, of all the six geopolitical zones the south-east occupies the last position in terms of duration and number of visits by President Buhari, not to talk of critical developmental projects.

Despite the steady rise in dictatorial tendencies by this government, one must not shy away from stating the obvious, which is that there is a lot of resentment against Buhari’s government by Ndigbo because he has been brazenly unfair to their beleaguered ethnic nationality. Useful idiots from Igboland can twist the truth and invent fake facts showing that President Buhari is a friend of the Igbo. But the average Igbo man or woman feels differently – with good reasons. if the President does not have an ingrained disdainful attitude towards Igboland, why did he exclude Ndigbo from the commanding heights of security and critical departments and agencies of the federal government? Why is it that he seldom visits the south-east, and whenever he does he appears to be in a hurry to leave the place?

In my view, if the President really sees Igboland as an important component of Nigeria, he should have appointed qualified sons and daughters of Igboland as one of the service chiefs and heads of key agencies of government. Besides, he also ought to have cited transformative industrial and infrastructural projects in the south-east as a telling demonstration that Ndigbo have been making mistake by not voting for him all the time he had been contesting for the presidency since 2003.

Nigerian Army “Places Nnamdi Kanu Under House Arrest” – Lawyer

Nnamdi Kanu Image Via Premium Times Nigeria

ABIA STATE, NIGERIA (PREMIUM TIMES ONLINE) -- The Nigerian Army has again laid siege to the residence of the leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, in Abia State, his lawyer has claimed.

In a statement on Tuesday, Mr. Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, accused the Nigerian government of placing the separatist agitator under house arrest.

He added that at least four IPOB members had been killed in the area.

However, the police spokesperson in the state, Geoffrey Ogbonna, denied the claim.

He said the Army was only on its routine patrol and passed through the area.

“They have moved on now to other parts of the city. I have been to that area, they were on their normal ongoing show of force. I don’t think they tried to break into the building,” Mr. Ogbonna said.

According to Mr. Ejiofor: “Just to notify the world that my client’s (Nnamdi Kanu) house is presently under siege by the trigger-happy soldiers acting under the direct instruction of Chief of Army Staff.

“He has been placed under house arrest at the moment while shooting sporadically into the air.

“Casualties are being counted as the unprovoked assault progresses. Some IPOB members have just been killed at least four people.

“They drove in in their thousands to arrest and maim him. I just got a distress call from him now. Further efforts to establish contact with him have remained unsuccessful.

“As it stands now, I can’t confirm whether he is dead or alive.”

Mr. Ejiofor said the Operation Python Dance presently launched by the Buhari-led administration in the South East was principally targeted at eliminating my client.

“It is yielding the desired result to the presidency, having launched a manhunt for my client and unarmed members if Indigenous People of Biafra,” he said.

“Let the world know that the federal government has practically abandoned their case in court in search of a brute route to eliminate my client.

“As I type this statement, his residence has been cordoned off by the military, majority of whom are of Fulani extraction.

“The world should hold Buhari-led Federal Government responsible if anything untoward happens to Nnamdi Kanu. The situation is very tense at the moment,” the statement said.

Mr. Ejiofor had earlier accused the military of killing over 20 IPOB members on Sunday, but the army dismissed the allegation as baseless and mischievous.

Governors of states in the South East region they have commenced investigation into the allegations traded between Mr. Kanu’s lawyer and the military on Sunday.

On Friday, the Nigerian Army had launched Operation Ogbu Eke II, which it said would be seen around the South East region between September 15 and October 14.

The army said the military operation, also known as Operation Python Dance II, is to check criminal agitators and other forms of criminal activities.

But the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo, has demanded the withdrawal of the troops from the region, saying their presence would raise the level of tension it said already exists in the country.

Meanwhile, a constitutional lawyer and Chairman of The Patriots, Ben Nwabueze, has condemned the alleged invasion of Mr. Kanu’s by the army, describing it as “a matter of grave concern.”

In a statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES, Mr. Nwabueze, a former Secretary (Minister) for Education, said the situation in the country called for great restraint on the part of all.

The statement said, “The report in this morning newspapers of the attack on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s Umuahia home by soldiers of the Nigerian army during which some people were reportedly killed or injured is a matter of grave concern, because it occurred at a time the country is facing destabilizing crisis and threats to its peaceful co-existence and at a time the South East Governors are making valiant efforts to contain the danger of the repercussions of the crisis by interventions with Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the IPOB.

“The situation in the country calls for great restraint on the part of all, and for the Federal Government to take firm steps to restrain any actions capable of escalating the crisis, such as the reported attack on the home of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s home in Umuahia.”

Why Nnamdi Kanu’s Bail Should Be Revoked – Nigerian Government

BY EVELYN OKAKWU

PREMIUM TIMES NIGERIA

Nnamdi Kanu Via Premium Times

The Nigerian government on Friday demanded the revocation of the bail granted the leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, in April.

In a statement on Thursday signed by Salihu Isah, an aide to the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, the Nigerian government hinged its request on 11 grounds of arguments.

According to the statement, the Nigerian government accused Mr. Kanu of ‘totally violating’ the 12 main conditions he was demanded to comply with by Justice Binta Nyako at an Abuja Division of the Federal High Court on April 25.

Citing some of Mr. Kanu’s bail conditions, the prosecution said the defendant negated the conditions and acted in ways that allegedly have adverse effect on the nation’s security.

“Among other conditions for the bail of the 1st defendant are as follows: “That he should not be seen in a crowd exceeding 10 people.

“That he should not grant any press interviews, hold or attend any rallies;

“And that he should file in court medical updates of his health status every month.”

The government said that the bail conditions were perfected by the defendant/applicant which he is currently enjoying.

“Rather than observing all the conditions, the 1st defendant/respondent in flagrant disobedience to the court order flouted all conditions given by the court.

“The first defendant has in furtherance to the offence he was charged, inaugurated Biafra Security Service, ” the statement said.

“That the defendant held a rally at his residence in his hometown, Afara-UkwuIbeku in Umuahia, Abia State; the said rally with a CROWD exceeding 10 persons was captured in video published on the 1st June 2017 and circulated on YouTube.”

According to the statement, the defendant’s separatist comments have increased rather than reducing.

Some of the statements allegedly made after he was granted bail include the following:

“I was not born to be rich, politician or scientist but to restore Biafra. I did not say we are restructuring Nigeria or implementing Aburi but restoring Biafra. That is the total exit of Biafra from Nigeria thereby restoring the kingdom of God on earth… There will be no elections,” among others.

Mr. Kanu was first arrested in October 2015 and charged before a magistrate court by Nigeria’s government.

The case against him was later amended resulting in the current charge at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

(BIAFRA): Alleged Treason: Kanu’s Parents Reject Bail Terms

CONDITION HARSH, SAYS PARENTS

BY ERIC IKHILAE

THE NATION ONLINE

APRIL 26, 2017

(ABUJA, NIGERIA) -- There was jubilation yesterday in the family home of pro-Biafra agitator Nnamdi Kanu in Umuahia, Abia State. 

But to the family, the bail conditions are “harsh” and should be reviewed by the court. Kanu should be free unconditionally.

Speaking with reporters at his palace at Isiama Afaraukwu Ibeku in Umuahia, Kanu’s father, Eze Israel Kanu, flanked by his wife Ugoeze Sally, called for the unconditional release of his son.

The traditional ruler of Afaraukwu Ineku Umuahia kingdom, however, said he was overjoyed over the news – that his son had been granted bail by the Abuja High Court but insisted that the conditions were impossible.

To the monarch, it sounds illogical for a court in Nigeria to expect a Jewish leader in faraway Israel to stand as surety for a person standing trial in Nigeria, “Why ask him to produce a Jewish leader as surety? Why demand a Senator or Igbo leader who will deposit N100 million? Is N100 million N100.
“It is possible that they are looking for an opportunity to keep him in detention. It is up to the world to look at the bail conditions and see if they are justifiable for a man who has done nothing to warrant being held in prison.”

Eze Kanu urged Ndigbo to “unite and take up the challenge as a people”. He pleaded that other IPOB members standing trial with his son should be released unconditionally.

The elder Kanu said he had always had the faith that his son would one day be released and thanked God that such a day had come.

He hailed Ekiti State Governor Ayo Fayose and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode for their solidarity with his son, but frowned at the absence of Igbo leaders at the court premises, saying that was an indication that they were not supporting the Biafra cause.

The IPOB leader’s mother said she had been having sleepless nights while her son was in detention and thanked God for answering her prayers.

Mrs Kanu thanked all those who stood firm for the Biafra cause and prayed for her son’s release, urging them to keep the faith.

Asked if she would advise her son to discontinue his agitation, she cried: “No retreat, no surrender. Biafra is a divine project.”

Kanu’s mother said the arrest of her son popularised the Biafra agitation and vowed to keep supporting the movement. “My son was raised by God to deliver Biafra and as God delivered Israel so he will deliver Biafra because my son is fighting for his right,” she said.

Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) members described the bail granted to the IPOB leader as the triumph of light over darkness. 

In a release signed by its leader, Uchenna Madu, MASSOB said it had always identified with true representations of Biafra and genuine struggle for the liberation of the people of Biafra. 

The release reads: “I spent almost four years in different prisons from 2005 to 2009 which includes Suleleja, Keffi and Kuje prisons for same purpose of Biafra and was later released. Nnamdi Kanu and others won’t be an exception. He represents the interest of the people of Biafra; he is not a criminal”.
“MASSOB commends the efforts of Igbo governors, Some prominent and eloquent leaders, like Mr Peter Obi, Chief John Nwodo (Ohaneze PG), Governor Fayose, some Igbo National Assembly members, Nzuko Umunna and other progressive persons for their unflinching efforts in compelling the Federal Government to grant Nnamdi Kanu bail.

“As the people of Biafra erupted in jubilation all over the world in celebration of triumph of light over darkness, it shows that we are more united in our pursuit for Biafra actualisation and restoration, irrespective of our different organisations.”

Separatist Nnamdi Kanu got a temporary reprieve yesterday. A Federal High Court in Abuja granted him a N100 million bail on health grounds.

But his parents complained that the conditions were harsh and meant to keep him in detention.

Justice Binta Nyako, in a ruling, noted that the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) leader had consistently exhibited traits of ill-health in court. He was directed to produce three sureties.

But the trio of Chidiebere Onwudiwe, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi, who are standing trial with Kanu, were not that lucky. The judge rejected their bail.

Justice Nyako said: “I have not also seen any new argument to warrant my reviewing my earlier decision. However, as it relates to the 1st defendant, the applicant has deposed extensively on his health and appeals to the court on health grounds to allow bail on any condition.

“Overtime that the 1st defendant has appeared in court, the 1st defendant may be having some health issues as he always sits down and sweats profusely.

“I am of the opinion that the 1st defendant needs better health attention than the Prison Service is unable to provide.

“Pursuant to this, the bail of the 2nd to 4th defendants, is hereby refused. I hereby use my discretion and grant the 1st defendant bail on the following conditions:

He shall undertake before the court and depose to an affidavit that he shall attend his trial diligently and shall provide three sureties as follows;

All the sureties are in sum of N100 milliom each. One of them must be a highly placed person of Igbo extraction, such as a senator;

Second surety must be highly respected and recognised religious leader in Nigeria of the defendant’s belief. A highly respected Jewish leader;

The third surety must be resident in Abuja, highly respected, with landed property and Certificate of Occupancy verified;

He shall deposit all his international passports, with the court.

“I also want a report of his health status on a monthly basis filed in court,” the judge said.

Justice Nyako directed that Kanu should not grant interviews, organise ralies, and must not be in a crowd of more than 10 people.

The judge had, in an earlier ruling, rejected the defendants’ application for variation of her earlier order granting protection to prosecution witnesses.

She said the defendants had not provided anything new in their earlier argument for the variation of the order.

“My earlier ruling remains as prosecution witnesses, who are security agents, will be protected as their identity will not be disclosed,” Justice Nyako said.

The judge adjourned till July 11 for the opening of the trial. She said the court will take interlocutory applications only in the course of the trial.

There was unusually heavy security deployment in the court.

Inside the courtroom, Department of State Services (DSS) operatives took charge. Regular and riot policemen and Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officers were on guard outside the court premises.

The atmosphere outside the court premises was tense. Many visitors had a hectic time accessing the court. They were thoroughly frisked before being allowed in.

Those, who could not provide good reasons for their mission to the court, were turned back. The street leading to the court was barricaded with police trucks. A few people, mostly court officials, were allowed to drive in.

The defendants’ sympathisers, who before yesterday were always allowed to stay close to the main gate, were driven far away from the court.

Dressed in various attires, the sympathisers sang and danced, creating a carnival-like scene while the proceedings lasted. When the news was broken that Kanu had been granted bail, they went wild, singing: “We have won, we have won”; and “Bye bye to Nigeria. We told them before that Biafra is real.”

At proceedings were Ekiti State Governor Ayodele Fayose and former Aviation Minister Osita Chidoka.

Another former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode, who was in court in respect of his criminal trial, was prevented by security men from accessing the court where Kanu’s proceedings were on going.

At the end of proceedings, Fayose went close to Kanu, hugged him and engaged him in a brief chat.

Fayose said he was in court in solidarity with the Biafra agitators’ leader.

He told the IPOB chief that he will one day walk as a free man.

Fayose said that although he was not Igbo, he came to show solidarity as somebody who believed in justice.

Kanu and others are standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on treasonable felony and managing an unlawful organisation.

They are also accused of conspiracy to broadcast materials intended to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria and create a Biafra State.

Aba agog over Kanu’s bail

ABA, the commercial hub of Abia State, had a terrible traffic Jam yesterday.

Vehicular and economic activities were disrupted as residents took to the streets to celebrate the bail granted the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader and Radio Biafra Director Nnamdi Kanu by Justice Binta of the High Court in Abuja.

Kanu’s supporters, who converged on the Christ the King Catholic Church’s (CKC’s) gate immediately the news hit the town, marched through the major streets.

Singing pro-Kanu and anti-Federal Government songs, they marched through Asa Road, Azikiwe, Aba-Owerri Expressway, Aba-Ikot Ekpene, Faulks and others.

Sounds of bangers rented the air in Ahia Ohuru (New Market), Shopping Centre, Eziukwu and other markets.

St. Michael’s, Pound Road, Jubilee, and Hospital Road, were also besieged by Kanu’s admirers, who left their shops to join their friends in a drinking spree.

At Ariaria, where Kanu is said to have “die-hard supporters”, traders defied the flooded and near impassible nature of the market to join their counterparts in celebrating the Abuja Court order.

Not a few provided “free drinks” for both customers and fellow traders who joined in the celebration.

Some of the jubilant Biafra supporters, including Dominic Gilbert, said that they were happy that Justice Binta, in whose Kanu had several times complained of lacking confidence, later granted their leader bail.

Gilbert, however, described the bail conditions as “harsh”, stressing that the court could have granted Kanu bail unconditionally.

The factional leader of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Uchenna Madu, thanked the Southeast Governors’ Forum for their role in Kanu’s release.

In a statement, Madu, who was once detained for clamouring for the actualisation of Biafra, stated that the realisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra was not going to come on a platter of gold.

The MASSOB leader pleaded for the release of other Biafra agitators languishing in prisons across the country.

The statement reads: “The bail granted to our brother today is a sign of light triumphantly over the darkness. It is a motivational factor that Biafra will always triumph over Nigeria.

“I spent almost four years in different prisons from 2005 to 2009 which includes Suleleja, Keffi and Kuje prisons for same purpose of Biafra and was later released. Nnamdi Kanu and others won’t be an exception. He represents the interest of the people of Biafra, he is not a criminal.”

MASSOB praised the efforts of Igbo governors, some prominent and “eloquent” leaders, like Mr. Peter Obi, Chief John Nwodo (Ohaneze President General), Fayose, some Igbo National Assembly members, Nzuko Umunna and other progressive persons “for their unflinching efforts in compelling the Federal Government in granting Nnamdi Kanu bail.

“As the people of Biafra erupted in jubilation all over the world in celebration of triumph of light over darkness, it shows that we are more united in our pursuit for Biafra actualisation and restoration, irrespective of our different organisations. We know that freedom can never be achieved on a platter of gold.”

Nigerian Separatists Hijack Ship, Demand Release Of Leader

BY MICHELLE FAUL AND HARUNA UMAR

ASSOCIATED PRESS, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2016

In this Friday Jan. 29, 2016 file photo, Biafran separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu, center right, speaks to his lawyers at the Federal High court in Abuja, Nigeria.

ABUJA, NIGERIA (ASSOCIATED PRESS) — 

Nigerian separatists have hijacked a merchant ship and threatened to blow it up with its foreign crew if authorities do not release a detained leader agitating for a breakaway state of Biafra, military officers said Tuesday.

Maj. Gen. Rabe Abubakar, the Defense Ministry spokesman, confirmed the hijacking occurred on Friday and called it "an act of sabotage." He did not tell reporters the name of the ship.

Abubakar spoke on Monday. Other officers on Tuesday told The Associated Press that the navy is in pursuit of the captured vessel. The officers, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to speak to the press, said the hijackers have given the government 31 days to free Kanu or say they will blow up the ship along with its crew.

Maritime industry reports indicated the vessel was an oil tanker seized about 100 miles (160 kilometers) off Nigeria's Bakassi Peninsula, along Nigeria's southeastern Atlantic Ocean coastline, near the border with Cameroon.

"The group boarded the tanker from two fast boats and took control over the vessel and locked the crew in the mess room" before heading for the Niger Delta, the Bulgarian-based Maritime News reported.

The ultimatum from the separatists was given at the weekend by "General Ben." Ben is not a separatist but "some Niger Delta militants have shown interest in working with us," said Uchena Madu, a leader of the Movement for the Actualization of a Sovereign State of Biafra.

The hijacking — the first such act claimed by the separatists — indicates they could be working with some Niger Delta oil militants blamed for recent bombings of pipelines in the oil-rich south, escalating conflict in a country already burdened by Boko Haram's deadly Islamic uprising in the northeast and violent ethno-religious confrontations between farmers and herders in central Nigeria. Africa's biggest economy and oil producer also is battered by slashed petroleum prices.

Secret police on Oct. 17 detained Nnamdi Kanu, director of banned Radio Biafra, and since have accused him of terrorism, sparking protests in which police are accused of killing several demonstrators.

Nigeria's Igbo people prosecuted a civil war to create a separate state of Biafra in the southeast that killed a million people in the 1960s. Many Igbos charge they still suffer discrimination.

In an apparently unrelated development, pirates seized the Greek-owned chemical tanker MV Leon Dias off Nigeria's coast, according to an official of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency who insisted on anonymity because he is not authorized to speak to reporters. He said it was hijacked on Friday, other reports said Sunday, and diverted to an oil terminal off Cotonou, capital of neighboring Benin. Maritime News said the chief officer was seriously injured and is being held hostage with four other seamen.

Faul reported from Lagos, Nigeria. Associated Press writer Hilary Uguru contributed to this report from Warri, Nigeria.