₦airaland Forum

Deji Adeyanju, popular Abuja-based rights activist, on Sunday called on Justice Binta Nyako of an Abuja Federal High Court to recuse herself from the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

Adeyanju pointed out that Justice Nyako is not neutral enough to handle Kanu’s trial.

The activist explained that the trial judge’s husband is a Fulani man from Adamawa State, and Kanu was used to insulting the tribe, hence she should recuse herself.

Kanu is currently standing trial for charges bordering on treason before Justice Nyako.

Justice Nyako had in 2017 granted Kanu bail but the IPOB leader had jumped the bail and fled Nigeria.

His lawyer, Aloy Ejimakor, however, argued that Kanu did not jump bail, stressing that Nigerian government made him flee the country.

However, Adeyanju, in a tweet wrote: “I’m of the view that Justice Nyako is not neutral enough to adjudicate on the Nnamdi Kanu case because her husband is a prominent Fulani leader in West Africa and has hosted African Fulani groups in Adamawa severally.

“Kanu has consistently insulted & abused Fulanis. I, therefore, think Justice Nyako should recuse herself from the Kanu’s case honourably.

“Let me quote the Supreme Court in FRN v. MKO Abiola (1995): Justice must be rooted in confidence & confidence is destroyed when right-minded people go away thinking: The Judge is biased.”

The Conference of Presidents-General of Niger Delta Ethnic Nationalities (CPGNDEN) has upbraided the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for hitting at elder statesman and Ijaw National leader, Chief Edwin Clark, over his position that the region is not part of Biafra.

This was contained in a statement on Sunday by the President of CPGNDEN, Prof. Benjamin Okaba in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State.

Okaba, who is the President of Ijaw National Congress (INC), described as “insulting and inflammatory” the comments of IPOB through its spokesperson, Emma Powerful.

The pro-Igbo group was reported to have berated Clark for saying that the Niger Delta would not be in the Republic of Biafra, insisting that he could not speak for the people of the region.

But Okaba, who teaches Sociology at the Federal University, Otuoke, called on the leadership of the Igbo nation to caution members of IPOB over the “callous and offensive attacks on Pa Clark.”

He said the organization was not opposed to any groups’ quest for self-determination or secession in the country, but would not allow the region to be annexed by any secessionist plot.

The CPGNDEN chief said, “We duly respect the right of people to self-determination or secession as the case may be, but would at the same time resist any attempt that would forcefully carve out an inch of our land through any instrumentality, including the distortion of well-known historical and empirical facts, into any secessionist agenda.

“Pa Clark spoke our mind, position and disposition on the matter. He did not say anything new but merely reiterated the position taken and expressed earlier, individually and collectively, by the different ethnic nationalities and groups in the region. You cannot have a man’s hair shaved in his absence.

“We advise the leadership of Ohanaeze Ndigbo to call their people to order to avoid a repeat of such disrespectful act.”

Members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have vowed to storm Abuja, the nation’s capital for the trial of their leader, Nnamdi Kanu at the Federal High Court, Abuja on Monday.

The group also told the Attorney-General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami (SAN), to prepare more cells and mortuaries should he want to detain or kill its members, as they prepare to flood the court to show solidarity with their leader.

The group's spokesperson, Emma Powerful, disclosed this to SaharaReporters on Sunday while speaking about his expectations regarding Kanu's trial, which is expected to commence on Monday.

He, however, cautioned the members of IPOB and Kanu’s supporters to behave appropriately and obey the law.

“You should expect Biafrans in Abuja tomorrow and nobody can stop us or prevent us from being in court tomorrow. Nnamdi Kanu is our leader and we cannot afford to abandon him because he did not abandon us.

“IPOB members should move to Abuja and those living in Abuja must be there to show solidarity with our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and for Nigeria to know that he is our own.

“Malami and his co-conspirators should prepare to kill all of us tomorrow, and every IPOB member must behave well.

“This is to show the world that we are coming, (and) for this court to know that we are disciplined and cultured. Our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has laid the foundation of IPOB well and we must follow his teachings,” Powerful said.

Kanu, the leader of the most popular pro-Biafra group, will continue his trial on Monday at a Federal High Court in Abuja after he fled Nigeria in 2017. He is being prosecuted on allegations bordering on terrorism, treasonable felony, illegal possession of arms, among others levelled against him by the Nigerian government.

He has been in the detention of the Department of State Services (DSS) since he was abducted in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria, after his brief appearance before Justice Binta Nyako on June 30.

According to Powerful, the Nigerian government is inflicting pain on IPOB members through its actions.

He, however, vowed that the group will not keep quiet until the world hears and comes to its aid.

“We will be there tomorrow. Let Malami clean his prisons and mortuary for our people tomorrow. The world will see them tomorrow. You cannot beat a child and force the child not to cry, that is what they are trying to do to us and we must cry until the world hears us. Nnamdi Kanu remains our leader, no other person,” Powerful added.

The Department of State Service (DSS) has accredited DAILY POST and nine others for the July 26 coverage of the trial of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biiafra, IPOB, in the terrorism and treasonable felony charges brought against him by the Federal Government.

The DSS is spearheading the trial on behalf of the Federal Government and is expected to provide adequate security at the venue of the trial.

Kanu, who was re-arrested in far away Kenya, during a coordinated interception will be put on trial on Monday July 26 at the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Others accredited along with DAILY POST for the trial coverage are Premium Times, Thisday, The Nation, The Herald and Daily Independent newspapers while the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) is leading the broadcast side.

Other broadcast media are the Channels Television, Africa Independent Television, AIT, and Television Continental, TVC.

The restriction of media houses into the courtroom was part of the security measures put in place by the management of the Federal High Court in Abuja and DSS to control crowds at the court premises.

Sources confided in our correspondent that adequate security measures have been put in place by various security agencies to ward off possible breakdown of order or unruly behavior from any quarter during the trial.

DAILY POST further learnt that the security operatives, apparently learning from past experiences, have resolved to block all roads leading to the court to prevent vehicular movement while thorough checking of staff of the court and visitors will be undertaken.

Justice Binta Nyako is expected to preside over the trial while a senior lawyer from the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr Shuaib Labaran, will lead the prosecution team for the government.

DAILY POST gathered that about 10 Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) have been assembled by family members and well wishers of Kanu to provide adequate defence for the accused secession agitator.

It will be recalled that after over two years of manhunt, the Federal Government rearrested the Biafran leader in Kenya and was immediately brought to Nigeria for continuation of his trial.

The Attorney General of the Federation AGF and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami SAN, had on Tuesday June 29 at an emergency media briefing in his office in Abuja announced the re- arrest of Kanu.

Nnamdi Kanu, who was earlier put on trial on charges bothering on terrorism, treasonable felony and sponsorship of unlawful organization had jumped bail granted him by the federal high court and escaped from Nigeria shortly after the bail was perfected for him by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who volunteered to stand surety for him.

Justice Binta Nyako who granted him bail on the ground of his Ill health, had revoked the bail on March 28 , 2019 and issued a bench warrant for his arrest in any part of Nigeria.

The abducted students of Bethel Baptist High School, Damishi, Kaduna have been released after 20 days in captivity

Joseph Hayab, Kaduna state chairman of the Christian Association of Nigerian (CAN), confirmed their release to TheCable on Sunday.

The bandits invaded the school and abducted the students on July 5.

More to follow…

President Muhammadu Buhari has told contractors and businessmen that have benefitted from government contracts to take whatever appreciation they have for corporate social responsibility, CSR, instead of bringing kickbacks to him or government officials.

The President also stated that he would have liked to visit his home town frequently but that the cost to the movement was the impediments because it was high.

President Buhari stated this on Friday in Daura, Katsina State, when he visited the Emir of Daura, Dr Umar Faruk Umar, at his Palace.

He told beneficiaries of government patronage to engage in corporate social responsibility instead of seeking to favor individuals with gifts.

A statement issued by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu quoted the President as saying, “I don’t want tour cheque. Go and assist our communities” instead of trying to return kickbacks to public officers, including his office.

“We don’t want cheques from anyone or organisation as returns or influence of any kind. Let them remember their Corporate Social Responsibilities.”

The President noted that he would love to visit Daura more frequently, but for the high cost of presidential movements and exposing security personnel to the weather, assuring that his heart remains with the people.

“We are known for farming and I have my farm here. I could come every two weeks and no one can stop me. But the cost to the movement is high. I would rather that it be used to better our schools, clinics and hospitals,” said the President.

The President said the grace of God had kept Nigeria together as a country in spite of differences that led to a 30 months civil war

“We want to thank God always for keeping us together as a country. From January 15, 1966, the country was thrown into political crisis. We had a 30 months civil war that resulted in the loss of about a million lives.

“We still thank God for keeping us together. We remain grateful to all those who showed interest in our unity and progress. May God continue to bless them,” he added.

The President, who recalled fond memories of visiting the Palace as a military Head of State, expressed happiness that the warmth and hospitality of the traditional institution had been sustained over the years.

In his remarks, the Emir of Daura, thanked the President for always creating time to visit his hometown and the palace despite the tight schedule.

“Your visit to Daura reflects your good character which we are very proud of. I can assure you that men, women, children, marketers and artisans are always pleased to receive you and they will be praying for you.

“Today is not for speeches but for appreciation. We have been blessed so much as a community because you are the leader of the country. You have brought honour to our domain.

”As a community, we have benefited a lot with increased traffic of people and organisations coming to help us here. We know it’s because of you.

“May the good Lord always go before you and behind you, and remove all obstacles from your path,” he added.

The Emir said the President must remain focused in getting results particularly in securing the country.

“Nigeria is lucky to have you at this time. I am not saying it to please you, but if you had not been in power it would have been very difficult. I doubt if we will be here today,” he added.

At the meeting, the Emir publicly announced conferment of the title of Talban Daura on Yusuf Buhari, son of President Buhari.

He said a date would be announced for the turbaning ceremony of the President’s son, which might likely be before his marriage.

The Emir also announced creation of a District in the community of the President, with headquarters in Dimurkol.

He said the turbaning of young Buhari and creation of the District was to further extend and deepen the long relationship between the Palace and the family.

He said the decision was in agreement with the kingmakers in Daura Emirate Council.

During the visit, the Palace used the opportunity to clarify the difference between two titles, Talban Hausa, given to Alpha Conde, the President of Guinea and Talban Daura designated for Yusuf, the President’s son.

The Palace explained that Daura, as the linchpin of the Hausa society had conferred titles that have bearing on the Hausa Kingdom and those that are specific to the Emirate.

Reno Omokri DM me when I was asleep last night and pleaded I should keep the conversation between us only for me to wake up and see him post it in public.

Reno said debate won't be a bad idea but I should promise him to be civil. I should guarantee him I won't insult him.

That he hates insults. Next, he said if he's sure of that, he will consent for an interview with me, not DEBATE but interview.

You begged me not to make the chat public, then you rushed, screenshot it even when the message hasn't been delivered, you photoshop it as if I was the one who messaged you.

I woke up this morning, seeing notifications everywhere. Reno claimed I backed out from the debate since he has waited for me 8hrs. He's not going to continue with me. Ọsọ Abịọla.

Please what is the normal hour time for sleep? No be 8 hours? So I shouldn't sleep be responding to Reno?

Reno said someone else has accepted to engage him on debate. Who is the host? Reno. Reno is to host, editor and poster.

He posted it on his YouTube channel and tell people to go and watch. That is the kind of stuff he wanted from me.

Reno wants to use my brain and make money. If he is sincere, third party is to host the debate, he and I will be the guests. But Reno wants to host it, convene, be the moderator, edit and share on his YouTube channel. Does he strike as someone who is serious and wants to engage me?

From the debunk I wrote yesterday, has he not responded to that or try to disprove me?

You sent me message when I was sleeping, beg me to keep it private, you then rush, screenshot it, re-edit and post for your gullible followers on Facebook.

Tell me, is Reno Omokri not a co.ward? Why did he shoot himself on the foot?

You claimed I delayed you 8hrs and you aren't going on debate with me again, didn't it take you over 15hrs before you Nichodemously slide my DM?

You came when I was asleep, drop message, screenshot it & started blabbing how I refused to take up the challenge you have accepted.

Before you slide Reno's DM, be careful. When Reno send you message, be careful. He will screenshot and publicise.

He actually think I am like him. He might be afraid I would tell the world about his DM. Even if devil tell me to keep something private, I will.

The debate is still on if Reno is serious. Third party will host us, both will come as guests. It will be live session. No editing. Pure and straightforward debate.

Send message, I never reply you don rush carry am dey shout say I dey fear from debate.

See una Nuggets man!

A young lady identified as Grace Ogar has been asked by her family to abort her three-month-old pregnancy due to the tribal differences between her and her lover.

Ogar, who hails from Akwa Ibom is under pressure from her family, particularly her aunt, Esther Patrick, to abort the pregnancy. Her lover, Adeola Oluwamilua, is from Ogun State.

Patrick was alleged to have mounted pressure on the young woman to abort the pregnancy because she (Patrick) does not like Oluwamilua facial features, among other reasons.

The young lady who spoke with an advocate for vulnerable people, Ebenezer Omejalile, said she had shown interest in attending the higher institution of learning but her family denied her such based on financial incapacitation.

She said, “Before I got pregnant, I met Adeola, he is into the printing business, he is 33 years old. Adeola has been calling my mum, she is in the north and we could have gone to see her but for the unsafe situations of the road, so my mother said Adeola should see my aunt but my aunt does not like him at all. They are not happy because he is a Yoruba man; they said they could get another man for me and they suggested a Ghanaian, but I don't like him.

“I don't know why she dislikes him and I told my aunt that this is the person I will marry since I already spoke about school, I told them I would love to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination and they were all happy but when I asked for money, nobody said anything. So, I decided to work first so I could gather the money, then I met Adeola.

”He said we should have a court marriage and my mother said no problem. Later I found out that I was pregnant, my aunt said if it is Adeola that is responsible for the pregnancy, I have to abort it.

“My elder brothers came around, invited the young man, and asked him what he plans to do now that I'm pregnant with his baby and he said he will take me in as a wife and do the necessary procedures. As they were talking, my sister called me out and said they have discovered that Adeola has a child from his former relationship.

“My aunt still insisted that I cannot marry Adeola, she then called her friend, a Ghanaian man. She said that is the person they want and I told her there is no way I will give this child to another father, if he doesn't discover now, he will know in the future. My mother also said she wants the Ghanaian man.

“They had already called a nurse to come and terminate the pregnancy so the nurse asked how many months pregnancy was so that it would determine the kind of injection they would give me. I was scared. I didn't want to go home but my brother said I shouldn't be bothered.

“Later, my mother said I shouldn't abort the pregnancy that I was free to make my own choice but later my sisters started disturbing me with calls that they want to see me so they can carry out the abortion, one of them who is presently in Port Harcourt even called and said the kind of abortion they want to do would not take too long.

”The nurse also said I should not be scared of the abortion, advising me that the man I'm pregnant with his child will use and dump me. They gave me a deadline of three days to make up my mind so that the baby will be aborted. They said I must do the abortion that it is what they want. I am not ready to abort this baby, I will keep the pregnancy, marry Adeola and further my education, I can do part-time studies.”

I just how that fake evil pastor of a politician is claim to know it all na una kind good to disgrace. Reno omokri is a poison to himself and anyone close to him mad pastor

Public Debate Between Uche Chuta and Reno Omokri on Igbo and Benin Precolonial Relationship

Treason is trying to overthrow a govt. Secessionist are not trying to overthrow a govt. They are saying they don't belong to the govt. They want der own. It is a call for negotiation of the union.

Food and fitness guru turned emergency lawyer to win twitter debate.... Lol.

Oga secession is treason and is punishable by death in America.

You can phone a friend to confirm.

Nigeria constitution does not support it.
The best we can arrive at referendum. That means agitators shld channel their protests towards their lawmakers to include referendum in our constitution first instead of shouting "Buhari must go" to a democratically elected govt.

In 2006, Justice Antonin Scalia said no.

In a letter written to a screenwriter, the former justice, who died in February, was unambiguous:

"If there was any constitutional issue resolved by the Civil War, it is that there is no right to secede. (Hence, in the Pledge of Allegiance, 'one Nation, indivisible.') Secondly, I find it difficult to envision who the parties to this lawsuit might be. Is the State suing the United States for a declaratory judgment? But the United States cannot be sued without its consent, and it has not consented to this sort of suit."

The Supreme Court, back in 1869, said no — but in a way that left open the possibility Volokh discussed.

Chief Justice Salmon Chase the decision for the court about whether actions taken by Texas after it seceded from the Union during the Civil War should be honored. The court held that Texas never actually left the Union — because it could not do so unilaterally — and so, therefore, actions taken by the Texas government under the Confederacy were invalid.

Chief Justice Salmon Chase wrote the decision for the court about whether actions taken by Texas after it seceded from the Union during the Civil War should be honored. The court held that Texas never actually left the Union — because it could not do so unilaterally — and so, actions taken by the Texas government under the Confederacy were invalid.

First, he discussed the country in general:

"The Union of the States never was a purely artificial and arbitrary relation. It began among the Colonies, and grew out of common origin, mutual sympathies, kindred principles, similar interests, and geographical relations. It was confirmed and strengthened by the necessities of war, and received definite form and character and sanction from the Articles of Confederation. By these, the Union was solemnly declared to 'be perpetual.' And when these Articles were found to be inadequate to the exigencies of the country, the Constitution was ordained 'to form a more perfect Union.' It is difficult to convey the idea of indissoluble unity more clearly than by these words. What can be indissoluble if a perpetual Union, made more perfect, is not?"

Then, Chase discussed what that meant for Texas:

"When ... Texas became one of the United States, she entered into an indissoluble relation. All the obligations of perpetual union, and all the guaranties of republican government in the Union, attached at once to the State. ... The union between Texas and the other States was as complete, as perpetual, and as indissoluble as the union between the original States. There was no place for reconsideration or revocation, except through revolution or through consent of the States.

"Considered therefore as transactions under the Constitution, the ordinance of secession, adopted by the convention and ratified by a majority of the citizens of Texas, and all the acts of her legislature intended to give effect to that ordinance, were absolutely null."

A bill seeking to stop the indiscriminate slaughtering of donkeys by organising them in ranches divided senators on Tuesday.

The proposed law is titled, “A bill for an Act to regulate the slaughtering of donkeys and establish the breeding and ranching of donkeys through the Export Certification Value Chain to mitigate the extinction of donkeys and for related matters.”

It was sponsored by the Leader of the Senate, Yahaya Abdullahi (Kebbi North).

The aim of the bill, according to the Senate Leader is to stop donkeys from extinction.

Trouble, however, started when the Senate Minority Leader, Eyinnaya Abaribe (PDP Abia) argued that the Senate does not have the legislative competence to legislate on the matter concerning animal husbandry.

Abaribe insisted that the Senate can’t make laws on residual matters and that the red chamber was not expressly allowed by the constitution to carry out such legislation.

The Deputy Chief Whip of the Senate, Sabi Abdullahi (Niger North) however, countered Abaribe.

He said the bill was meant to address issues of research and insisted that the Senate can legislate on it.

He said, “When I was in service as a veterinary doctor, there were issues of donkeys going into extinction. The section of the constitution that the Minority Leader was referring to, also allows the Federal Government to make laws for the purpose of research.

“The Federal Government has right to make laws for research,” Abdullahi said.

He noted that some people had realised the value chain of donkey’s skin mostly found in the northern part of the country.

He said it was because of the realisation that made Nigerians travel from as far as Akwa Ibom to the North to buy them.

But the Senate spokesperson, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, said he supported the Minority Leader’s position and that the Senate does not have the legislative competency to decide on such a bill.

Basiru said, “I support the point of order raised by the Minority Leader. Section 3 (3) states clearly what we should legislate, ” Basiru said.

He continued, “The areas which the National Assembly can make laws must be given constitution competence.”

He added that the legislation was for the state Assemblies to decide.

Basiru, a legal practitioner, who also holds a doctorate degree in Property Law, said the issue had already been decided at the Supreme Court.

He added that the issue bothered on a physical planning which the state legislators should decide.

He said, “The issue, whether the cows or donkeys are going into extinction does not give us the competency to legislate upon.”

The Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, however, ruled that it was within their jurisdiction to legislate on the issue and ruled they should go ahead and take the bill.

The committee is expected to organise a public hearing before its report would be presented on the floor of the Senate for eventual consideration and approval..

Speaking on the matter, Lawan said the debate was on the extinction of the donkeys.

The Senate Leader, then presented his debate on the bill which passed through second reading and was referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture and Rural Development to report back in four weeks.

He said the bill would further complement the import and export of raw animal skins and hides especially that of donkeys currently on the Customs Prohibition List

He said, “While cattle has received tremendous attention by the government over the years through the national cattle beef and dairy breeding programs, the donkey value chain has not received such attention, in fact the donkey predicament has deteriorated.

“There is no program in place to improve donkey breeding as a practical approach to increasing the national donkey population.

“The slaughter of donkey has become an attractive business nationwide, not for the donkey meat which is an inconsequential product of donkey slaughter but the donkey hides which is a lucrative export product.

“The actual meat of choice is the horse meat for those who indulge in it, the horse hide is not exported. The major focus of the donkey slaughter is for the export of the hide which is the premium product for export.”

Recently, my perspective on Nigeria changed. I have never supported any separatist or secessionist agenda. However, I have supported and defended the right of any Nigerian to express himself and associate freely. It does not matter to me where such a person comes from.

When the Buhari administration moved against Ibrahim Zakzaky and the Shiites, I was the first person (not one of the first) to defend them. After defending them publicly myself, I called the then President of the Christian Association of Nigeria, and begged him to issue a statement calling for an end to the killings of Shiites. He told me that though it was an Islamic affair, nevertheless, because of his fondness for me, he would speak in support, and he did.

I have similarly championed the causes of oppressed persons or people from every part of Nigeria. As much as is humanly possible, I have refused to be partial in my advocacy.

In the last three years, I have visited 40 nations on my own dime and time, for the cause of #FreeLeahSharibu, seeking freedom for a Christian girl from Borno. I have not collected a dime from anyone and of anyone knows anyone who has given me a penny, then they should publicly expose me.

Before Nnamdi Kanu was arrested, I did not know who he was. I just defended his right to freedom of expression and association. Various Igbo leaders called me privately to thank me. It would be wrong to mention their names, because of the challenges of the moment.

When Kanu was rearrested, I called a British government official and got the facts. I was the first (not one of the first. The first) to reveal that he was arrested in Kenya, and not in The UK. After I released this information, the media ran with it.

Yesterday, a former Presidential candidate sent me a tape of Nnamdi Kanu dissolving the UK branch of IPOB and tongue lashing the members of IPOB UK. He told them to hand over IPOB money in their possession. He then said that he suspected that the British Secret service was running IPOB UK.

I was shocked and refused to believe what I heard, until this ex Presidential candidate from the South pointed me to an IPOB channel where this same audio was broadcast.

So I published it on my page. I did not add or edit or alter the voice. I released it as is.

Given that that broadcast was released earlier this year (I was told it was first broadcast in March if 2021, though I am not 100% sure) and Nnamdi Kanu was arrested so soon after (in June), I asked if that altercation could have led to Kanu being betrayed by his members in the UK.

The result was that various persons, who claimed to be members of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra descended on my page and insulted me, attacked me and accused me of collecting money from Buhari. (Would Buhari even give me money? If Buhari will give me anything, it is more likely to be a letter bomb).

They said Nnamdi Kanu can insult anyone he liked and I should leave him alone.

A certain Northerner, who has been on my page attacking me for what he had previously called my “love for the Igbo”, now asked a question. He said ‘so you people have forgotten when this man was fighting for you so soon’?

And so I went into deep thought.

If Nnamdi Kanu eventually gets Biafra and I am a minority in that Biafra, what would be my fate? Would I be able to express myself? Would I have the freedoms for which I myself have been fighting for Nnamdi Kanu to get for the last five years? Would I be able to hold sensitive positions?

I am not Yoruba, but because of me, these members of IPOB insulted the Yoruba (why do people always think I am Yoruba?). I was called ‘ewu Yoruba’. Somebody even threatened to kill me if I ever stepped into Onitsha (the same Onitsha where I donated money and raised millions for victims of the 2019 Onitsha Market Fire?).

These people in their hundreds descended on me with a consistent refrain, tthat Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is the supreme leader of the Igbos and he could insult his members if he chose and no one could question him.

And that prompted a paradigm shift in my consciousness. If you have been following the dailies, you would have read one or two stories planted by the Buhari administration in the papers of how they have been tracing Kanu and monitoring his movements for two years.

The stories claimed that they were able to get to him through members of the Eastern Security Network that they had captured. Then a few days ago, they released a video testimony of one captured ESN member, by name Emeoyiri Uzorma Benjamin, that has now gone viral, in which the young man claimed that Kanu had given them instructions to kill policemen and soldiers, as well as their fellow Igbos.

He sensationally claimed that Kanu instructed them to bury one of his lieutenants, Nwaokike Kayinayo Andy, AKA Ikonso with 2000 human heads. Even more sensationally, he alleged that Mr. Kanu gave directives to them to kill young girls, who they used for fetish charms.

Now, it is not possible to say it this fellow is telling the truth, or half truths or lies. However, from his testimony, or account of the inside workings of IPOB/ESN, and the broadcasts which I listened to, and which is also available on some IPOB social media accounts, we see that Nnamdi Kanu had almost total authority over IPOB.

All this time, I was thinking that, though Nnamdi Kanu showed extreme indiscretion by going to a country like Kenya, which is notorious for extrajudicially extraditing people to regimes seeking them (the Turkish government did exactly the same thing the Nigerian government did with Kanu to Selahaddin Gulen, a Turkish dissident that was captured by Turkey’s intelligence from Nairobi. In that instance, Kenya first denied complicity, then promised to investigate the event. It happened in 2016. Kenya is still ‘investigating’ that event), that he nevertheless must have been betrayed by someone in his organisation, who tipped the Nigerian intelligence agencies that Kanu was headed to Kenya.

But my experience with Mr. Kanu’s supporters made me have a rethink. With the way they treat him as though he is infallible, could it not be more likely that there was nobody within the organisation bold enough to advise Mr. Kanu not to travel to Kenya, because to do so, or to counter him in any way, would have brought upon such a person weighty consequences.

And then I began thinking about the ‘dot in a circle’ statement by General Buhari. I had criticised Buhari for making that comment. It is most irresponsible of him to have described the Igbo as such. It showed his malevolent mindset towards some citizens of his own country, and he should apologise.

However, on further introspection, I began to cast my mind to statements Nnamdi Kanu had made in his many broadcasts which I only watched just yesterday.[/color]

[b]He unacceptably insults Black people as being less intelligent than other races (how can a Black person say such things? Is that not self hatred?). He attacks Yoruba churches, pastors and media (what is a Yoruba church? Honestly, I had never heard of a Yoruba church until I heard that word from Kanu. I thought all churches belonged to God through Christ).

You can imagine if you are Yoruba and sympathetic to the plight of the Igbo, and you listen to all the bile from Kanu about your ethnic nationality, how would you look if you continue to defend him to your kinsmen?

Then you listen to some of the even more outrageous things he has said about Northerners (Igbos, your enemy is Buhari. Your enemies are not the Hausa or Fulani. Don’t mix up the two). I cannot even repeat them here.

Looking back to those broadcasts, it looks to me that it is Nnamdi Kanu himself who made IPOB (not the Igbos as Buhari claims) a dot in a circle.

He made no attempts to be persuasive. He did not even try to win hearts. He made no pretence of anything but contempt to anyone who was not part of his Biafra. Even though I had always thought that Odili, Amaechi and Wike and their people in Rivers state are Igbos, I now understand, but do not agree with Wike’s claims that they are not Igbos.

Who would want to be a minority in a country ruled by Kanu? Tufiakwa! You speak your mind and you may be shot on the spot!

To be honest, I had never listened to these broadcasts by Nnamdi Kanu until they were brought to my attention by this Southern Presidential candidate. I was clueless about their existence. In fact, I felt a bit naive. I felt like a fool!

Anyone who has been following me for the last six years would have known how much of my time and money I have devoted to defending, advocating for and promoting the cause of the Igbos.

However, having watched for the first time these videos where Nnamdi Kanu called Black people wicked (I am Black, but I don’t think I am wicked), and where he described Igbos who refuse to support IPOB as evil, I am flummoxed!

However, the one that shocked me the most was his statement that (and this is an exact quote), “If you are attending a Yoruba church, you should be ashamed of yourself. Anyone who attends a church headed by a Yoruba pastor is an idiot. A complete fool. An slowpoke. I have no time for them. They are worse than Boko Haram. They are very, very foolish. If your pastor is Yoruba, you are not fit to be a human being.”

And the funniest thing is that >b]the pastor who provoked him into making that statement is from Auchi. He is not even Yoruba. No wonder they think I am Yoruba.[/b] To these lot, anyone Southerner West of the Niger is Yoruba. They have a majority mindset that is not minority friendly AT ALL.

Even more disturbing is that this Auchi pastor, who Nnamdi Kanu calls Yoruba, and used to generalise all Yoruba pastors, was summoned by DSS in December of 2016, and asked to explain why he did a video calling for Kanu’s release. Who fights those who fights for them?

How did I miss these broadcasts? Have I been too focused on Buhari to the extent that I was blindsided? Is this the fellow I have been defending?

I am a minority. My late father was a minority. He went to Sokoto as a Youth Corp Member in 1975, and became Nigeria’s youngest Director of Public Prosecution and Nigeria’s youngest judge (at the time), and was elevated to the Court of Appeal, all from old Sokoto. Would that be possible in Kanu’s Biafra?

And when he was interviewed in 2020 by Dr. Damages (I did not even know until the same Southern former Presidential candidate sent me the video), and given an opportunity to denounce his previous statements against the Yoruba, Nnamdi Kanu doubled down on it and said as follows:

“Most of the difficulties we have been having have always come from these Yoruba pastors.”

Then he went on to say in that same 2020 interview as follows:

“Yoruba Pentecostalism is the reason why Fulanis are invading us today.”

Where is the connection between Pentecostal churches and killer herdsmen?

I was stunned. This video was recorded last year. How come I never saw it. I checked on YouTube and only 27,000 people had seen it.

How can I be against Isa Pantami for saying “We are all happy whenever unbelievers are being killed” and then tolerate these statements from Nnamdi Kanu?

If I do, it will make me a hypocrite. And while I mistakenly may sometimes be hypocritical, I will not be deliberately hypocritical.

Everything I have said here is the truth. It is on video and audio. If you do not like what I have written, then jejely unfollow me. We are obviously not on the same wavelength and I am not about to change in order to make you like me.

Reno Omokri

Gospeller. Deep Thinker. #1 Bestselling author of Facts Versus Fiction: The True Story of the Jonathan Years. Avid traveller. Hollywood Magazine Film Festival Humanitarian of the Year, 2019.

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has accused the Department of State Services, DSS, of torturing its incarcerated leader, Nnamdi Kanu since he was rearrested.

IPOB’s Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, warned that the group would cripple Nigeria if anything happens to Kanu while in detention.

In a statement, Powerful warned that the Nigerian government was provoking the secessionist group.

Powerful said: “We declare without equivocations that the Nigeria Government should not take our calmness for granted.

“Should anything untoward happen to our leader while in detention or even after, we will totally cripple Nigeria and its Government!

“Our intelligence units are following up events, including the torture being meted out to him since his abduction.

“The world should see how the wicked Nigerian government is provoking us.”

The Nigerian government had, in connection with foreign security agencies, rearrested Kanu and repatriated him to Nigeria to continue his trial.

Kanu was brought before Justice Binta Nyako-led Federal High Court in Abuja to continue his trial bordering on treason.

Though the government is silent on the country the IPOB leader was arrested from, his family members claimed that Kanu was nabbed in Kenya.

Lagos: ₦507.4bn

Rivers: ₦266.9bn

Akwa Ibom: ₦232.2bn

Delta: ₦213.8bn

Cross River: ₦162.3bn

Ogun: ₦156.3bn

Imo: ₦149.9bn

Bayelsa: ₦142.9bn

Plateau: ₦134.2bn

Osun: ₦133.9bn

<DMO>
#TheCableIndex

Four suspected members of the Eastern Security Network, ESN, of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, yesterday were paraded while planning to plant explosives in a military checkpoint along Owerri/Orlu road in Imo State.

The State Commissioner of Police, Abutu Yaro, confirmed this to newsmen in Owerri.

Yaro said that they were apprehended after they said ESN members engaged the security forces in a gun battle and in the process, they fell to the superior power of the police force.

Explaining further on how they were arrested, the Commissioner of police said: “On 4th July 2021, some members of the prescribed ESN/IPOB Organisation, were arrested by security agencies in the state. They were arrested in a futile bid to lunch improvised explosives on the Military checkpoint along Owerri Orlu Road.

“The hoodlums who came in their numbers were however engaged in a gun duel by the joint Security agencies which led to the arrest of the following suspects; Chukwuebuka offorji “Male” Nicholas Ekwelem “Male” Okwelem Paschal “Male” Onyekahi Enerenini “Male.”

“However, one of the suspects sustained gunshot injury on his leg in the course of the melee. Meanwhile, operatives of the Command are presently on the trail of the escaping suspects who are strongly believed to have escaped with gunshot injuries. Efforts are in progress to recover the arms of the group as well as other incriminating items.

“The Commissioner of Police Imo State CP Abutu Yaro, FDC, vowed to sustain the operations and arrest of all criminals involved in violent crimes in the state, especially as the Command has embarked on mop-up operations to arrest the remnants of the ESN/IPOB members in the state, a feat which has heralded peace and tranquillity in the state lately.”

It was his advice that the “Peace-loving people of Imo State should continue to support the Police with credible information on the activities of criminal elements in their neighbourhoods. Together we shall continue to keep Imo State safe for business to thrive.”

President Muhammadu Buhari has sent a get-well message to the Head of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis as he heads in for a scheduled surgery of the colon.

The President in a statement issued by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu in Abuja last night called for prayers from Nigerians and the global community as the Pontiff goes in for this routine operation.

“He wishes him a quick recovery.” the statement said.

Self-styled Yoruba freedom fighter, Sunday Adeyemo (aka Sunday Igboho) has said he does not have the power to fight the Federal Government or an ordinary Local Government Chairman, DAILY POST reports.

However, Sunday Igboho said it is God that would fight the battle for the secession of the Yoruba race.

The Oyo State indigene said this in a video, wherein he was seen addressing some of his followers.

In the video, Sunday Igboho reiterated that the planned Yoruba Nation rally will come up in Lagos on July 3.

According to him, nobody has come out to stop him and his followers from storming Lagos for the rally, saying “whoever will not allow us to come to Lagos should do a video”.

Igboho added that Lagosians were ready for the rally because they know it would be peaceful like the ones held in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and other Yoruba States.

DAILY POST reports that the activist explained that people outside the country have been funding the project, stressing that he alone cannot achieve anything.

“Those abroad are the ones contributing the money we use in buying vehicles and do other things. How many can I do? Sunday Igboho is not the only powerful person. There are many powerful persons everywhere, unless we want to deceive ourselves. I can’t do it all alone. We must all unite. But someone must lead first. Moses was chosen to librate the Israelites before others join him. God will fight for us.

“I don’t have the power to fight the Federal Government. In fact, I can’t fight an ordinary Local Government Chairman. But the battle is the Lord’s. God who is the head of the battle will fight for us. Our own generation will emancipate the Yoruba race from slavery.

“To all Yorubas, come out on July 3 for the peaceful rally. We should not fight. We only want to tell Buhari that all we want is Yoruba Nation. Nobody should threaten us with death. You cannot kill us. There is no live champion, but current champion,” Igboho said.

President Emmanuel Macron of France has inaugurated the France-Nigeria business council, a private sector initiative to enhance business relations between the two countries.

The event was held in Paris on the sidelines of the Business France Summit in Versailles, France.

Macron also appointed Abdul Samad Rabiu, chairman of BUA group, as the inaugural president of the council.

In April, Macron had extended an invitation to Rabiu seeking his presence at the Choose France Summit representing business leaders from Nigeria and Africa.

He had also appointed Rabiu as chairman of the France Nigeria Investment Club, commending his commitment to the development of French and Nigerian businesses.

In his remarks, Rabiu thanked the French president for his vision of creating the French Nigeria business council, enhancing the business relationship between Nigeria and France.

He also commended Macron for appointing him as the first president of the inaugurated council, as he pledged to use the platform to create better opportunities for businesses on both sides.

“Nigeria is blessed with numerous potentials for French companies to do business across different areas,” he said.

“Notably solid minerals, mining, manufacturing, agriculture, associated equipment, power, food processing, and even in the business of associated equipment or infrastructure for the value chains of these sectors.

“Where French businesses have formerly been risk-averse or outrightly unable to do business with Africa’s largest economy, they can now be assured of a platform through which they can penetrate and mutually grow the market.

“Where Nigerian companies had not seen French companies or the French market as a viable destination due to a lack of information, they can now be sure of a platform to facilitate this. This is all thanks to President Macron’s foresight and vision.”

On his part, Macron praised the BUA chairman for his confidence in French businesses, which led to a partnership for BUA’s new 200,000 barrels per day refinery.

The French president pledged his government’s support to facilitate better dialogue amongst the Nigerian businesses and their French counterparts.

The newly inaugurated council also has Gilbert Chagoury of Chagoury Group, Mike Adenuga of Globacom and Conoil, Aliko Dangote of Dangote Industries, Tony Elumelu, Chairman UBA & Heirs Holdings, and Herbert Wigwe, CEO, Access Bank as the Nigerian members of the council.

The largest French companies, including Dassault, Danone, Axens, Ponticelli and Total Energies, are also council members.

The Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN) has debunked that it appointed Mrs Evelyn Joshua, the wife of the late founder, Temitope Joshua, to replace him as General Overseer of the church.

Reports have it that elders of the church met and declared Evelyn the successor to the late televangelist.

However, speaking at a press conference organized by the church to give updates on the burial arrangements for TB Joshua who died on June 5, the church denied the reports.

According to Dr Gary Tonge Freng who spoke on behalf the church, no one has been appointed to lead the affairs of the church at the moment.

Speaking on the burial arrangements, Freng said the church would broadcast live the week-long funeral beginning from July 5 to July 11, 2021.

He further revealed that Joshua would be buried at the church contrary to wishes by the traditional rulers in Arigidi Akoko, the prophet’s hometown in Ondo.

The Coalition of Northern Groups, CNG, said it received the news of the arrest and repatriation of Nnamdi with mixed feelings of apprehension and appreciation.

The group noted that it remained apprehensive about the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu until the full course of justice takes effect.

It claimed that Kanu’s arrest will not affect Biafra agitation as a referendum was pertinent.

The spokesman of the group, Abdul-Azeez Suleiman commended the effort of the federal government and the agencies in a statement, thanked the International Police and authorities of the United Kingdom for honouring their obligations to Nigeria.

The group said, Nnamdi Kanu has a pending trial for treasonable felony and jumping bail, saying that he must now face additional charges of incitement to violence and killing of people of other ethnicities particularly northerners, security personnel as a result of his open incitement.

The statement said, “More importantly, we don’t see Kanu’s arrest affecting the issue of Biafra. While he faces trial hopefully, the CNG is insisting that this is the right time to tackle the Biafran issue once for all.”

The coalition explained that nobody should make the mistake of assuming that the arrest is anywhere near the end of the Biafran affair, insisting, “We stand our ground that a referendum must be held to determine this and all other agitations for self-determination from any part of the country.”

The Borno State Police Command has arrested 10 robbery and drug suspects. The suspects were arrested between April 29 and May 28 in Maiduguri, Jos, Kano, Yola, Abuja, Damaturu and Jalingo in Taraba State.

Announcing the arrests on Monday in Maiduguri, the Police Commissioner, Bello Makwashi, said: “On April 24, 2021 at 9:00p.m., Akachukwu Emmanuel and Isa Goni were arrested in Kano for robbing banks’ customers in the Maiduguri metropolis.”

According to him, the two suspects specialised in ‘trailing and robbing’ bank customers. Makwashi, who was represented by the Command’s spokesman, Edet Okon, said five suspects were also arrested in Maiduguri, Jos, Kano and Jalingo for stealing N23 million.

He said the suspects include Mallam Hamisu, Umar Samaila, Habibu Garba, Ali Yahaya and Mari Paul. He said: “While interrogating the suspects, they confessed of stealing N23 million from a vehicle parked at the Musa Usman Secretariat complex, Maiduguri,” adding that the suspects also confessed to robbing residents of Kano, Abuja, Sokoto, Jos, Damaturu, Zamfara and Jigawa states.

He noted that N14 million was recovered from the suspects, including five vehicles and six duplicate car keys.

He added: “Two drugs suspects were also arrested in Jajeri ward of Maiduguri metropolis and1,005 kilogrammes of cannabis sativa valued at about N3.5 million were recovered. He said all the suspects would be charged to court at the conclusion of investigations.

The General Overseer of the Living Faith Church Worldwide, David Oyedepo has supported the proposed social media regulation by the Nigerian Government.

He gave the charge in his address on Friday at the seventh convocation of Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara state.

According to him, unlimited access to social media platforms is robbing youths of their future, while he called for urgent steps to check unrestricted access to social media.

The Landmark University's chancellor explained that many young people spend most of their time chatting, with lesser time to engage in productive tasks.

“It unconsciously robs people of their future by robbing them of their time — no time to think; no time to plan; no time to programme,” Oyedepo said.

“This generation may lose her heroes to social media disaster. Here is one creeping serpent that is eating up the destinies of many individuals.

“We must wake up from our slumber to deal with this monster. Young people, beware! Addiction to social media is like addiction to drugs. It can render a whole destiny useless.

“This social media saga has eroded the substance of destiny of most youths today. What is supposed to be a plus has suddenly become a major minus, because everything of value delivers through investment of time.

“Suddenly, we are faced with a generation on the wrong side of history; the honour of this generation has been wiped off — chatting all day with no time left to think, plan, programme and engage productively in the pursuit of any task.

“Many youths spend less than 10 to 20 percent of their time on their tasks per day. They can never match a generation that spends 70 percent to 80 percent of their time on their tasks.

“We must devise means to put a check on free access to social media, particularly those that are not adding values. Life is a race. Everyone should get on the track, ready for the run of their lives.”

At least six people have allegedly been killed following a clash between some youths in some parts of Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

DAILY POST gathered that the six people were killed in a street fight that broke out between Opopo Yeosa, Abebi and Inanlende youths on Thursday.

The three areas are within Ibadan North West and Ibadan North Local government areas, DAILY POST reports.

Our correspondent gathered that the fight which started around 4pm on Thursday entered the early hours of Friday.

DAILY POST gathered that the killing of the six people is coming about twenty-four hours after a fight broke out at Iwo Road area.

DAILY POST gathered that the crisis which broke out between members of Oyo State Park Management System and some mobile phone sellers resulted in the death of an alumnus of Lead City University, Ibadan, Mr. Rahman Azeez.

Some of the residents of Opopo Yeosa, Abebi, Inalende and other areas within Ibadan North West local government area, told DAILY POST that many residents were still in panic as a result of the fight.

Though a resident of Opopo Yeosa said that six people were killed, another resident from Inalende told DAILY POST that twelve people were killed.

The resident of Opopo Yeosa said five people from Opopo Yeosa were killed while one person from Inalende was killed.

“It was a terrible film. We were preparing for Asri prayer yesterday when they came from Inalende. They fought and those from Inalende later remobilized.

“They were still fighting, killing with guns up till this morning. What I can confirm is that five people from Opopo Yeosa were killed while one person from Inalende was killed.”

A resident of Inalende, however, said that seven people from Opopo Yeosa and five people from Inalende were killed.

“Seven people from Opopo Yeosa were killed and five people from Inalende were killed. They were still fighting till this morning.”

The lawmaker who represents Ibadan North West in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Akeem Obadara when contacted, confirmed the fight.

Obadara who spoke during a telephone conversation with DAILY POST on Friday, however, denied the killings.

The lawmaker who confirmed that one house was razed at midnight said that he was not aware if anyone was killed.

Obadara who is the Chairman, House Committee on Security and Strategies told DAILY POST that, “As you learned, so as I learned too and since that yesterday, we have been talking to security agencies.

“So, I don’t know anything about killings. If they killed anybody, you should find out and know how many people they killed.

“Nobody has reported to me that they killed anybody. So, I only know that one house was razed down during the midnight.

“The owner of the house called me that his house was razed down by some hoodlums they cannot identify.”

However, all efforts made by DAILY POST to get the reaction of the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adewale Osifeso proved to be abortive.

Calls put through to his mobile phone were not answered while messages sent to him asking for his reaction have not been replied as at the time of filing this report on Friday.

There is currently calm in different cities across the SouthEastern part of the country as residents shunned the June 12 protest.

However, the situation in SouthWest is different as protesters are occupying different cities, with security operatives struggling to maintain law and order.

Daily Trust had earlier reported how the police took over the Freedom Park, Ojota, venue of the Lagos protest, on Saturday morning.

But hours later, the protesters trooped to the streets, daring the security operatives who later dispersed them forcefully.

After they were dispersed, the protesters regrouped in different parts of Nigeria’s commercial capital.

There was chaos in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, as protesters demanded an end to the government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The protesters chanted antigovernmental songs as they marched through the streets.

In Osogbo, Osun State, students and civil rights activists, also protested and lamented the high rate of insecurity in the country.

Many streets were deserted as residents stayed indoors to avoid being caught in clashes.

Normalcy in SouthEast

But it was business as usual in the SouthEast region as people moved about freely.

The atmosphere in Awka, Anambra State capital, was peaceful and orderly.

People opened their shops and offices in the state and carried out their business unchallenged .

Owerri, Imo State capital, which has recorded disturbing incidents in recent time was calm on Nigeria’s Democracy Day.

While some residents managed to to go out, others preferred to stay indoors.

The state had been engulfed in crises since April 5 when gunmen invaded the headquarters of the Nigerian Police and that of the Correctional Services where they released more than 1,800 inmates.

However the police had asked residents to go about their duties without let or hindrance

Abutu Yaro, the State Police Commissioner, in a meeting with operators of Night Clubs/Hotels services in the state, encouraged them to open for business while assuring them of adequate protection.

Our correspondent, who drove round some parts of the metropolis, observed that though traffic was light, nobody was being molested.

There was also no protests in the state.

In Abia, it was also a peaceful atmosphere in different parts of the commercial town of Aba.

The Osun Police Command has arrested one Kabiru Oyedun, a suspected ritualist, for being in possession of body parts of a yet-to-be-identified lady, killed for money rituals.

Oyeduntan, 39, who was paraded on Friday revealed that he assisted his friend, identified as Akin (alias O’clumsy) to butcher his girlfriend.

The suspect who claimed to be a bricklayer and night guard, was arrested with the body parts kept in his house following credible information from the public.

According to the suspect, the girl came to Apomu in Isokan local government area of Osun state from Ibadan to visit the boyfriend, who remained at large on Thursday.

The suspect said it was his friend that strangled and killed the girl, while having sex with her in his room, adding that he only held the girl’s legs while she struggled for life.

The suspect added that his friend told him that he wanted to use the girl for money ritual with a promise that he will pay N50,000 for any body part of the victim, if he assisted him to kill the lady.

He said his friend, a herbalist in Ikoyi Town, later took away the girl’s heart after dismembering the body.

He said that it was his neighbour, who suspected that something wrong was going on in his apartment, that alerted the police.

Mr Olawale Olokode, the Osun Police Commissioner, said the suspect was arrested on Thursday, at about 9pm in his house, in Apomu Town, Isokan Local Government Area of the state.

Olokode said the Divisional Police Officer at Apomu led police officers to recover the body parts of the victim, adding that the police are on the trail of the victim’s boyfriend (Akin).

He, however, called on parents to always monitor their children and wards to know the kind of people they associate with.

Sa’ad Abubakar III, the Sultan of Sokoto, has declared June 12 as the first day of Dhul Qadah 1442AH.

Abubakar is the President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA).

Prof. Sambo Junaidu, Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, announced the declaration in a statement.

Junaidu said the Sultanate Council and the National Moon Sighting Committee did not receive reports from Moon Sighting committees nationwide.

“The sighting of the crescent of Dhul Qadah 1442AH on Thursday, June 10, is equivalent to the 29th day of Shawwal 1442AH.

“Friday, June 11 is the 30th day of Shawwal 1442AH. The Sultan accepted the report and declared Saturday, June 12, as the first day of Dhul Qadah 1442AH”, he noted.

Dhul Qadah is the 11th month of the Islamic calendar and one of the four sacred months on the calendar.

Warfare is forbidden in the period which precedes the holy month of Dhul Hijja when Muslims perform the annual Hajj.

It is no longer news that Nigeria has been bedeviled by one act of criminality or the other. But what is news is the strategy put in place to tackle this worrisome development and how well the strategy has played out.

Results of the crime mapping showed that in the South–East and South-South regions, activities of secessionist groups and coordinated and violent attacks on security personnel, their formations, and critical national infrastructure such as the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC offices, hold sway.

In addition to this worrisome development are Farmers/herders clashes, proliferation of weapons, and cultism.

In the South West, kidnapping, bank robbery, farmers/herders clashes as well arms proliferation prevail, while banditry, attacks on schools and abduction of students, highway robberies, activities of Boko Haram and the Islamic State West African Province ,ISWAP ,communal clashes, proliferation of arms and farmers-herders clash are prevalent in the North West, North East and North central regions.

The outcome of the onslaughts of these criminal activities have resulted in the wanton destruction of lives and properties

IGP Baba appointment

Determined to address the insecurity in the country, the Inspector- General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba , on assumption of office on April 7, 2021, went back to the drawing board with members of his management team, to assess the trend and pattern of crimes and other security issues across the country.

To address Nigerians yearning for a peaceful society, he and his management team conceptualized a new policing mission, vision, and operational agenda aimed at guiding policing services, reclaiming the public space from criminal elements, protecting the citizens with courage, and serving the country with compassion.

It is exactly two months since IGP Baba came into the exalted office of the number one policeman in Nigeria. Crime Guard, decides to take cursory efforts into the security situation in the country and also to use the template of the IGP’s strategic policing plan to analyze the extent to which he and his management team have gone in the journey towards realigning the Nigeria Police to citizens expectations.

Arrests

Statistics at our disposal showed that 943 suspects that have been terrorizing the nation were arrested in the last two months.

A breakdown of the figure showed that 770 of them were high profile suspects comprising bandits, kidnappers and armed robbers, arrested during various operations conducted by operatives of the Nigeria Police.

One hundred and seventy-three of them were bandits arrested in a major anti-banditry operation in collaboration with the Nigerian Armed Forces and the local community. Most of the arrests were effected in the northern and eastern parts of the country.

A total of 152 kidnapped victims among who were abducted students from the Federal College of Forestry Mechanization, Kaduna, were rescued and reunited with their families within the period under review. Recovered were 276 assorted firearms and 16,515 rounds of ammunition of different caliber.

Also in an attempt to contain separatists agenda in the country, statistics made available to Crime Guard showed that the Police had neutralized the suspected Commander of the IPOB/ ESN popularly known as “Ikonson Commander” and his deputy, in separate joint operations with the Army and the Department of State Service, DSS and one Joseph Uka Nnachi popularly known as ‘Dragon’ an acclaimed Commander of the armed wing of IPOB that reportedly took over after the demise of Ikonson Commander.

Records also revealed that weapons recovered during direct confrontation with the secessionist groups included two General-Purpose Machine Guns,22 AK-47 rifles, 14 Pump Action rifles, six pistols, nine locally fabricated rifles and eight locally fabricated pistols.

Others were 26 AK-47 magazines ,753 GPMG live ammunition ,2549 rounds of live Ammunition ,16 Improvised explosive Devices,IEDs, Camouflage, bullet proof vests, walkie talkies with IPOB insignia, charms and other incriminating items.

Our efforts (South East)

Explaining how the Police are tackling insecurity in the country, the IGP disclosed that a new special operation code named ‘Operation Restore Peace’ was launched on May 19,2021, with the aim to restore peace and constitutional order in the South-East and South-South zones.

He said that the High Command was carrying out Operational Needs Assessment which would be flagged off in other states and regions, as a national approach to roll back the increasing wave of crimes, breakdown of law and order and lawlessness.

Also he said , there had been mass mobilization and deployment of operational assets including the Police Air Wing, Marine, and the Explosive Ordnance Department among others, in the region, in addition to expanding a well-coordinated intelligence-led operations to confront armed secessionist groups through enhanced intelligence gathering efforts and utilization capacity.

The Police according to him, also explored the strategy of enhanced intelligence sharing through strengthening inter-agency collaboration with the Military, DSS and other security agencies , as well as the reinforcement of police commands in the South-East and South-South regions with special deployment of police personnel and intelligence operatives such as the Police Mobile Force, Police Special Forces, Intelligence Response Team,IRT and the Special Tactical Squad,STS.

Other areas

In a move to contain the proliferation of Small Arms and Light Weapons (SALW) in the country, the Police boss informed that the High command had embarked on deliberate and well-coordinated nationwide mop-up of illicit weapons to contain the trend and had also identified and raided factories where assault rifles and ammunition were manufactured locally, citing the recent smashing of a syndicate which had its local fabrication enclave is in Jos, Plateau State, as an example.

Furthermore, he said they were identifying and blocking weapon supply chains in and around the country, boasting that the measure had started yielding results following the arrest and recovery of several sophisticated and locally fabricated firearms and ammunition.

The challenges

Despite the IGP’s strategic policing plan and police efforts, it is obvious that the Police lacked adequate manpower as well as state- of- the art equipment to tackle the present state of insecurity in the country.
For instance, checks by Crime Guard revealed that at least 65 percent of vehicles in police divisions across the country are in deplorable states, thereby overburdening the few available functional ones.

Also with the destruction of police formations during the hijacked endsars protest and the latest onslaught on police stations in the South-East and South-South, there has been a major setback in the police, owing to the colossal loss of lives and major assets including weapons which were barely being managed.

In the area of manpower, there is a dearth of manpower, especially the Rank and File (ranks between Constable and Inspector) who are the major foot soldiers. At the moment, Police commands nationwide have pegged down inter-state transfer of these Rank and File .

To address these challenges, immediately he was appointed the IGP, Baba, paid a visit to the office of the Nigeria Police Trust Fund, which was established to provide funds for training and retraining of police personnel, provide them with state-of-the-art security equipment, improve the general welfare of personnel and enhance their preparedness and overall improvement of their efficiency.

Recently, he gave two water cannons to the Lagos State Police Command to fight crime in the largest command in the country.

Unfortunately, the Command boss, CP Hakeem Odumosu, during the IGP’s maiden visit to Lagos, Wednesday, said the command needed additional 13 Water Cannons, each, for the 13 Area Commands, with at least five gunboats, for the 14th Area Command, (Area “L” Ilase’), which is situated along riverine areas of the State, to police and secure the waterways.

In addition, was the request for two Police Helicopters to assist in fortifying the aerial patrol/surveillance of the Command with a view to tackling some of the crimes being experienced in the state and by extension, in the South West.

The charge

While assuring officers and men of the Lagos State Police Command that measures were on ground to address the prevailing challenges, during his maiden visit, the IGP promised to release more crime fighting equipment to the command to boost its arsenal and promote public safety in Lagos State.

But he warned them never to allow hoodlums to overrun them or their stations again. Rather, he urged them to improve in the area of crowd control, riot management and the use of firearms in accordance with the acceptable norms of discharging their constitutional duties.

He said: “Never again should we allow our stations and our personnel to be overrun to the extent that we would not be able to handle situations that can easily be handled because of lack of professionalism, cowardice or whatever.

“The service can no longer tolerate acts of indiscipline which is not known to us. We must do the needful to be able to carry on with our job”.

“With the little resources we have and personnel, we are going to do our job with determination and professionalism. Measures are being taken to address the need of the Police.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the personnel and recruitment into the force of all cadres will very soon be in force and for our equipment and working tools, we just started taking delivery of some riot equipment, vehicles and other fundamental tools from the Police Trust Fund”, he stated.

Motivation

On his part, he promised to improve the welfare of personnel and also focus on barracks rehabilitation and housing schemes where policemen would retire to, after service.

He added that training and retraining of personnel was paramount on his agenda, even as he urged supervising officers to adopt the carrot and stick approach for their subordinates.

Reminding officers and personnel that the bedrock of the Nigeria Police was discipline, he urged officers to imbibe self discipline before demanding the same from their subordinates.

At the end of his three-day visit to Lagos, from where he left for the Ogun State Police command, in addition to other states commands earlier visited, it is expected that the Police boss will take expedite action at ensuring that all state commands are equipped with sophisticated weapons that surpass those of enemies of the country, as well finding a lasting solution to the killings of policemen and destruction of police formations and by extension, return the country to a tranquil state.