Leader of IPOB Nnamid Kanu Sentenced To Life Imprisonment , To Be Held In Protective Custody

Kanu to appeal Life sentence 

Kanu

 The leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) Mazi Nnamid Kanu has been Sentenced to life Imprisonment for Terrorism and other charges. He is to be serving the prison terms in protective custody and not in any prison.


Today in a Federal High Court in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria , precising Judge, Justice James Omotosho delivered the following sentences and orders on Nnamdi Kanu:


Prison Sentences:


- Life imprisonment on Counts 1, 4, 5, and 6.
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- 20 years imprisonment on Count 3 (no option of fine).

- 5 years imprisonment on Count 7 (no option of fine).


All sentences are to run concurrently.


Special Custody Conditions (due to what the judge described as Kanu’s violent tendencies and atrocities):


- Kanu is NOT to be kept at Kuje Correctional Centre.


- He is to be held in protective custody (specific facility not named in the excerpt, but under strict security).

- He is completely barred from possessing or accessing any digital device (phone, laptop, tablet, etc.).


- Any future access to a digital device is allowed only with the express approval and direct supervision of the National Security Adviser (NSA).


Forfeiture Order:


All transmitters and broadcasting equipment belonging to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or used by Radio Biafra are permanently forfeited to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

He was convicted on seven count charges.


Count one: That you Nnamdi Kanu, male adult of Afaraukwu lbeku Umahia North Local Government Area of Abia State being the leader of the Indigenous People of Bialra (IPOB) on diverse dates in 2014 and 2015 in London, United Kingdom, did broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu and other areas within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, preparations made by you and others now at large for states in the South-East and South-South zones and other communities in Kogi and Benue States to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria with a view to constituting same into the Republic of Biafra and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 41(c) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP. C77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.


Count two: That you Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult, of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area ot Abia State, on or about the 28th April, 2015 in London, United Kingdom did broadcast on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu, Enugu State and other parts of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, referred to Major General Muhammadu Buhari, GCON, the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as a paedophile, a terrorist, an idiot and an embodiment of evil, knowing same to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 375 of the Criminal Code Act, Cap C. 77, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.



Count Three: That you Nnamdi Kanu, male adult of Afaraukwu lbeku Umahia North Local Government Area of Abia State between the month of March and April 2015 imported into Nigeria and kept in Ubulusiuzor in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra state within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, a Radio transmitter known as TRAM 50L concealed in a container of used household which you declared as used household items and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 47 (2) of the Criminal Code of Act, Cap C45, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.


Count four: That you, Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult, of Afaraukwu iIbeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State in London, United Kingdom between 2018 and 2021 Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu, Enugu State and FCT, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court, professed to be a member of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed organisation in Nigeria and you thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 16 Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.


Count five: That you Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult, of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State on the 22th of April, 2021 in London, United Kingdom on Radio Biafra monitored in Enugu, Enugu State and other parts of Nigeria within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did an act of terrorism in that you incite the other members (followers) of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB}, a proscribed organisation in Nigeria, to look for security personnel, their family members through a Radio Biafra on 102.1FM monitored through the IPOB Community Radio and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) (h) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act.


Count six: That you Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult, of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia Stale on the 16thh of May, 2021, in London, United Kingdom within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit an act in furtherance of an act of terrorism by making a broadcast that “In 2 weeks’ time, what will happen will shake the world, people will die, the whole world will stand still, mark my word” and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.




Count seven: That you Nnamdi Kanu, male, adult, of Afaraukwu Ibeku, Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia State on the 31st of May, 2021, in London, United Kingdom within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did an act in furtherance of an act of terrorism by issuing a deadly threat that anyone who flouted your sit-at-home order should “write his/her will,” as a result banks, schools, markets, shopping malls, fuel stations were not opened for businesses and vehicular movements grounded and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 1 (2) (b) of the Terrorism Prevention Amendment Act, 2013.




Kanu will appeal against the life imprisonment and other jail terms handed down by Justice Omotosho, his former lawyer and consultant, Aloy Ejimakor, has said.


Speaking to reporters after the sentencing on Thursday, former lawyer and consultant to the convicted IPOB leader, Aloy Ejimakor, said Kanu would challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal. He said, “From here, we are heading to the Court of Appeal. It is the only court in the country that sits as a jury, and we are going to approach the justices there to review what happened in court today.”


Ejimakor described the sentencing as a “travesty of justice” and expressed confidence that the appellate court will overturn the conviction.
“If the Court of Appeal disagrees with us, we will proceed to the Supreme Court. But by God Almighty, Nnamdi Kanu is not going to stand convicted. He is going to get overturned,” he added.

IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu seeks negotiation with Nigerian Govt

Accept reconciliation window – Ohanaeze begs FG

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KANU 

he leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu on Wednesday, expressed willingness to seek negotiations with the Federal Government of Nigeria.

Nnamdi Kanu anchored his move for a negotiation with the Federal Government under section 17 of the Federal High Court Act

The IPOB leader has been detained by the Department of State Services, DSS, since 2021 when he was re-arrested in Kenya and repatriated to Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide has urged the Federal Government to explore the negotiation window opened by the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.


When the matter was called on Wednesday, his lead lawyer, Mr Ejimakor Aloy, urged the court to on its own invoke Section 17 of the Federal High Court Act, which he said, provides for “reconciliation” and facilitation of amicable settlement in criminal or civil matters.

Source: Nairaland 

NIGERIAN ARMY: TROOPS SECURE MAJOR VICTORIES IN COUNTER TERRORISM OPERATIONS ACROSS ,KADUNA, ZAMFARA, ABIA STATES

Troops of the Nigerian Army deployed for counter terrorism operations across the country have achieved major successes in the ongoing fight against terrorism and insurgency in Kaduna, Zamfara and Abia states, demonstrating their unwavering commitment to national security and the safety of citizens. 

In Kaduna State, troops in a decisive operation conducted a two-day fighting patrol to Kajuru and Kachia Local Government Areas, during which they engaged and neutralized five terrorists in a fierce combat at Dantarau. After defeating the terrorists, the gallant troops recovered a cache of arms, including 2 AK-47 rifles, one fabricated submachine gun (SMG), 9 AK 47 magazines, 250 rounds of 7.62mm (special) ammunition, 2 motorcycles, and two handheld radios.

 This victory significantly disrupted terrorists' activities along the Maro-Enugu community axis, bolstering security in the general area.

Relatedly in Zamfara State, troops deployed along the Gusau-Tsafe-Funtua road, responding to a distress call successfully thwarted a kidnap attempt in the Angwan Chida area of Tsafe Local Government Area. During the rescue operation, troops engaged the terrorists attempting to abduct occupants of a Toyota Corolla in a fierce shootout, neutralizing two terrorists and rescuing four passengers The operation resulted in the recovery of two AK-47 rifles, three magazines, 31 rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition, one motorcycle, and the vehicle involved in the attempted abduction. 

In Abia State, troops conducted a successful raid operation to an identified IPOB/ESN enclave located in Igboro Forest, in Arochukwu Local Government Area. Despite encountering three improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted by the terrorists, troops successfully recovered three locally fabricated Rocket-Propelled Grenades (RPGs) and a locally fabricated Artillery Gun. The terrorists were forced to flee, as they succumbed to the superior fire power of the troops. One soldier who sustained a minor injury from shrapnel is receiving medical attention and recuperating. The destruction of this camp represents a significant blow to the terrorist elements operating in the area.

These successful operations underscore the Nigerian Army's unwavering dedication to combating terrorists' activities. The effective raids and fighting patrols have not only disrupted the activities of the terrorists, but also restored a sense of security and confidence among the affected communities. The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens and continues to make substantial progress in the fight against terrorism.

Source: Nigerian Army 

NIGERIAN ARMY SAYS ALLEGATION OF MASS KILLING BY TROOPS IN SOUTH EAST IS DESPICABLY FALSE

The Nigerian Army (NA) has noted with dismay, a mischievous and systematic campaign of calumny by Simon Ekpa, a self acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafran terrorists' group. The self acclaimed leader through spurious and unfounded claims raised alarm on a viral video alleging that troops of the NA are carrying out mass killing of innocent Igbos at a river and dumping them in the water. The report also contained some unimaginable and not well couched falsehood targeted at whipping-up negative sentiments against troops and inciting anarchy in the South East region. 

According to a statement signed by the Major General Onyema Neachukwu  who is the Director, Army Public Relations said contrary to the falsehood being spread from the devious propaganda machinery of the desperate and self-serving terrorists' leader, the NA wishes to state that it has conducted a comprehensive investigation on the allegations made by Simon Ekpa and his associates. 

"Accordingly,  we wish to categorically refute these baseless claims by throwing more light on the occurrence. In the first  instance, the troops in the video footage are not personnel of the Nigerian Army, as the insignia visible on their berets clearly identifies them as personnel of the Nigerian Navy, who were engaged in a routine test firing of a weapon system mounted on a vehicle and in order to ensure the safety of other road users and commuters, the troops took precautionary measures by temporarily halting vehicular movement along the route, until the test firing was safely concluded."

The statement added that observers were also kept at a safe distance, maintaining transparency and prioritizing the safety of all involved.

"Additionally, preliminary findings also indicate that the occurrence took place in the Southwest region of the country and  not the Southeast as advertently portrayed by the false alarmist and propagandists. Furthermore, it was observed that there was no evidence to support the assertion that individuals were being shot at, in the river, nor have there been any report from local communities regarding the discovery of corpses in the area."

"Consequently,  the NA wishes to enjoin the public to disregard the unfounded claims and irredeemable falsehood being propagated by Simon Ekpa and his associates, whose apparent objective is to disseminate misinformation and incite unrest."

"The NA and indeed sister services and other security agencies remain steadfast in our commitment to maintaining peace and order, ensuring the safety and security of all citizens in the country. The Nigerian Army is vigilant and prepared to counter any attempt to destabilize the Southeast region."

'We reaffirm our dedication to protecting the lives and livelihoods of all Nigerians, and will continue to work tirelessly to uphold peace and order. We encourage the public to seek verified information and not be misled by those who aim to incite violence and disorder."

"We salute the courage and patriotism of well-meaning and law-abiding ndigbo, domiciled in the South East and across the nation, who despite the brazen atrocities and threats being perpetrated by Simon Ekpa and his terrorists group, have  continued to build bridges of peace and harmony across the country and promoting our national ideal of a united Nigeria."

"The Nigerian Army remains a pillar of stability and security, committed to the well-being of the nation and her people." The statement concluded  .

Killers of the Army personnel in Abia State Apprehended (PHOTOS)

There has been a report that the attackers and killers of the army personnel in Abia State has been Apprehended.

According to the military source, these were the elements of the Eastern Security Network who carried out an Attack against the military personnel at a checkpoint near Aba in Abia State.

... developing story...

Source: Social media 

NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS WIPEOUT 8 TERRORISTS IN SAMBISA, SEIZE ARMS, RESCUE KIDNAP VICTIM, DESTROY IPOB/ESN ARMS FACTORY

In a display of gallantry, Nigerian Army troops in conjunction with  hybrid force elements, have successfully neutralized 8 Boko Haram (BHT)/ ISWAP terrorists at  Ukuba; a notorious terrorists' enclave in Sambisa forest. The operation, which took place on Sunday 10 March 2024, witnessed a fierce gun battle that inflicted severe losses on the terrorists' group, compelling them to retreat and abandon their camp in disarray. A thorough search of the captured camp by the gallant troops led to the recovery of 5 locally fabricated double barrel guns, 2 motorbikes and assorted foodstuff, belonging to the terrorists.

In a separate Clearance operation on the same day in Kankara Local Government Area of Katsina State, troops cleared Dan Birgima, Ungwan Noma, Katoge, and Pauwa Villages. During the operation, troops gunned down 2 insurgents in combat and recovered 3 AK-47 Rifles, 8 Magazines, 57 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 3 Baofeng Radio sets, 12 Baofeng Radio Chargers and one Bandolier. The troops also rescued a civilian, who had been in captivity of the insurgents for days. Two Motorbikes and  makeshift structures in the insurgents' camp were also destroyed by the troops.

In the same vein, troops have cleared Dandalla, Madada, Dogon Karfe, Hayi, Gobirawan and Kango Kuyambana villages in Gusau and Maru Local Government Areas of Zamfara state. In the encounter with the insurgents, troops neutralized 2 of them and recovered one AK- 47 rifle, 3 fabricated guns, 2 rounds of Anti- Aircraft ammunition, one Motorbike and 2 Solar panels.

In South Eastern Nigeria, troops on Sunday 10 March 2024 successfully raided and destroyed IPOB/ ESN Fighters' Fire arms production factory located between Ekoli Edda and Amagwu Ohafia communities in Abia and Eboyin States respectively. The dissidents' camp, which was used for fabricating fire arms and production of ammunition was fortified with fire trenches/sand bag parapets and powered with a 15 KVA Generator. The vigilant troops recovered 2 fabricated AK-47 rifles, one Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG) bomb, 2 IPOB/ESN flags, as well as Welding and Filing machines from the the factory.

These successful operations demonstrate the commitment of the Nigerian Army in combating the  nation's security challenges to enhance safety and security. We enjoin members of the public to continue to support the Nigerian Army, sister services and other security agencies in the ongoing fight against the nation's adversaries. 

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU

Major General

Director Army Public Relations

11March 2024.

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