₦airaland Forum

I am glad to announce that the long awaiting website is here...

When they say you are Igbotic, do you think it's an insult? NO!

It is a thing of joy to be Igbotic. This has been my dream project, to have a platform bigger than any university in terms of language teaching and learning.

How?

I wanted a foundational and culturally built platform where Igbo children can learn about their culture, history, oral tradition and written literature mixed with language to give them the sense of identity.

I want a unified platform where everything to be discussed is all about Igbo language, Igbo culture, Igbo people and Igbo history. A platform where ndị Igbo all over the world will find useful for proper education about themselves.

I have tried many times and failed.

But here, I got it right. This is a platform where you can learn Igbo, culture and everything about Igbo.

I designed the courses following the curriculum of the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Education for teaching Igbo Language for Primary and Secondary Schools. I am not satisfied completely with the curriculum, I added many things my personal research and years of study in Igbo adgudged to be necessary for our children.

I added history, literature, oral tradition to give them strong background. Such history is far from Mungo Park discovering River Niger. Mbanụnụ. Far from it.

The idea is, any Igbo child born in any part of the world will learn the same thing a child could have been taught in Igbo Language in Igbo land assuming they are here. But good thing is, our curriculum is far more better than what is obtainable here.

How?

Nigerian curriculum on Igbo Language gives no consideration for second language and foreign language teachers and students. But, this ours have them in mind and all our courses are prepared bilingually. We say everything in Igbo and at the same time interprete in English. It does not happen in Nigerian schools where Igbo is taught. This is why children born outside Igbo land return to study in ala Igbo and get confused.

Again, most primary schools in Igbo land are no longer teaching Igbo. Children lack formative years in Igbo learning.

That problem is solved. Our courses available are from Primary 1 to Primary 6. First term to third term each. Forget the word "Primary".

Adults are in for these courses. Children are in for them. All the akpankoro kpankoro udu moo ogene.... kụọrọnụ nwa ngwere aka erente" are all packaged as lesson. You will learn how to read, write and speak.

All our courses have study materials.

As you are listening to audio or watching the video contents, we have materials for you. You will use them to study. Do assignments to help brush your mind.

You have lifetime access to any course you buy. We will keep updating them. Again, every student has access to me.

I will attend to questions. So, I am not leaving you. The course is your property for life. Once we update, you will be notified. Also sign up to our newsletter to keep getting info.

Secondly, we have a course from Basic—advanced level one. It has videos and materials.

Those who are already in intermediate, basic or advanced level can take the course. It's a journey.

Thirdly, go to shop in the menu, you will see our audiobooks and e-books. Pick to the cart and checkout.

Once you complete any of the transactions, automatically you will have access to download them.

Remember, we will keep improving. This is just the first side of the website. We are working very hard to ensure that materials will never be lacking in Igbo.

UNESCO prediction of Igbo Language going into extinction will be thwarted.

Drop your criticism. We welcome both constructive and destructive criticism. They will help us to be better.

Go through the website, pick what you want and enjoy yourself.

Remember, you can always contact us. You can also drop your opinion on how we can improve. Through your guidance, your kids will start Igbo from nothing to something. A child of one year is not too young to hear. Start from any of the courses, play the audio for them.

We will also create more virtual contents and courses for kids.

We have a lot in store.

But

Are you ready?

Go to our Igbotic site because I am Maazị, adị m Igbotic.

Mazi Ogbonnaya Mark Okoro is an Igbo Translator, Igbo Teacher, Author, Historian, American Sign Language Interpreter, Researcher, Blogger, Internet Marketer, Biz Rep.

He has won numerous awards and his interviews have appeared on Daily Sun, Ubuntu FM, Pretoria, South Africa, African Magic Igbo, etc.

Maazi Ogbonnaya was the first BBC Igbo Translator, translating the BBC editorial guidelines into the Igbo Language. He has worked with other international organizations like UNESCO in projects, promoting African languages, Culture and history.

Every time you see report of a Nigerian involved in a crime outside the country, rest assured that he’s from the southern part of Nigeria. 99% of the time, he’s from the south. They’re the reason Nigerians are blacklisted all over the world & find it very difficult to get Visa.

My advice to northerners is to always specify that they’re from the northern part of Nigeria when applying for Visa. You have 50% chance of getting Visa if you’re from northern part of the country due to the lesser crime rates we have.

Pandemonium broke out on Tuesday in Idi-Iroko, Ogun State when Oro adherents reportedly imposed 24-hours curfew and attacked a Muslim cleric.

Our correspondent gathered that the Oro adherents had begun their annual festival since Saturday and had imposed daylight curfew on the residents of the area.

The festival, however, turned violent when they clashed with Muslim faithful who were observing the evening prayer.

It was also gathered that the Oro adherents had attacked a Muslim cleric, Bola Wasiu, inflicting machete cuts in his head.

He was reportedly rushed to a hospital, while others, including women, were also attacked in the mosque.

The incident which occurred in the Temitope area of the Idi-Iroko Ajegunle, affected Umar Bin Kathab Mosque, which was attacked two years ago during Oro festival.

The Imam of the mosque, Abdul Waliy Omo-Akin, said the Oro worshipers breached the agreement reached with the adherents of the two other religions in the area and the court order that there must not be Oro festival in the daylight.

He said, “One of our members, Boka Wasiu, was injured for coming out during the festival in the daylight.

“We were able to get hold of three of the attackers and handed them over to the police.

“We had held a meeting with the police last week where the Divisional Police Officer warned them against daylight ritual. They imposed the curfew since Saturday.”

The leader of the Oro adherents could not be reached as of the time of filing this report.

Also, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, said would get back to our correspondent.

Similarly, the Chairman of the local government, Wasiu Agbetokun, asked our reporter to come to his office.

The Oniko of Ikolaje, Oba John Ojo could not be reached as phone calls made to his line did not connect.

Our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu was addressed by @dwnews as one of the Nigeria’s most Notorious separatist. They also reported about killing of security operatives in the Eastern Nigeria. I will be analysing the DW news report evening to set the record straight and debunk the lies

An Oyo High Court has granted an ex-parte motion stopping the Department of State Security and Attorney General of the Federation from arresting, intimidating, harassing, and blocking bank accounts of Chief Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho.

Justice Ladiean Akintola gave the order following an ex-parte motion moved by his lawyer Chief Yomi Aliu (SAN) at the court on Wednesday.

“The court has ordered that he must not be arrested, detained, killed in the next 14 days. The account also said that his account should not be blocked,” Yomi Aliu said after the case.

The court adjourned the suit until August 18.

Details later…

Nigerians journalists are not very observant. Abba Kyari ‘codedly’ edited the ₦300k claim in his Facebook post to ₦8 million, to match the FBI indictment. When he noticed I caught him, he deleted it. That is evidence of guilt. Truth is constant. Only lies change!

Nigerians journalists are not very observant. Abba Kyari ‘codedly’ edited the ₦300k claim in his Facebook post to ₦8 million, to match the FBI indictment. When he noticed I caught him, he deleted it. That is evidence of guilt. Truth is constant. Only lies change!

Muslim Rights Concern, MURIC, has demanded that the Federal Government recognise and declare every first day of the Islamic calendar as a holiday or be ready to face punishment from Allah.

MURIC made this demand in a statement signed by its founder and director, Prof. Ishaq Akintola and made available to DAILY POST on Wednesday.

Muslims in Nigeria will join their fellow faithful around the world to mark Hijrah Day on Monday 9th August, 2021 being the first day of the Islamic year.

MURIC lamented that the Federal Government had ignored several calls and demands being made by Islamic organisations in the country to declare this day as holiday.

The Islamic human rights group said it has decided to amplify the demand this year as the date approaches.

“We are calling on all state governors who are Muslims to identify with this noble, peaceful and divinely rewarding struggle by declaring this coming Monday (9th August, 2021) as Hijrah Day holiday.

“Members of state executives (commissioners, chairmen of agencies, etc) who are Muslims have a duty to bring this to the attention of state governors as a matter of urgency.

“Also, chairmen of local governments who are Muslims should encourage and support Islamic organisations and schools within their jurisdiction to organise events to mark the Day.

“On the other hand, Muslims in public offices who fail to promote it will have questions to answer before Allah yaom al-Qiyamah because they will have to explain why they abandoned their faith and their fellow Muslims for worldly gains,” it said.

The group called on Muslims in public offices to not only be conversant with their religion but be bold enough to practice, manifest and seek to entrench it among fellow Muslims.

Just weeks after Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the mercurial erstwhile fugitive leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN) was nabbed in Nairobi, Kenya, and renditioned controversially to Nigeria the popular Yoruba (Oduduwa) nation agitator, Sunday Igboho, was arrested by the Interpol in Cotonou, Benin Republic, as he made his way to board a flight to Germany. His wife, Ropo, was apprehended with him.

Unlike Kanu, however, whose abduction and rendition generated much furore on the Biafran streets more than the elite circles, the Yoruba elite, kings and leaders, had rallied round Igboho displaying a united front and solidarity towards the cause for which the glorified freedom fighter was being 'persecuted'.

Following the audacious invasion of his Soka, Ibadan, country home by the Department of State Services (DSS) agents in the wee hours of the night late last month Igboho was declared wanted by the secret police having been accused of stockpiling arms and ammunitions aimed at destabilizing the nation. In the bloody raid two of Igboho's aides were killed and a dozen of his domestic assistants arrested and taken away. They are still in detention!

The arsenal of war displayed by the DSS as those found inside Igboho's residence during the violent dusk operation were enough proof of Igboho's determination and preparedness to fend off any attack or aggression from any quarters. Though he had denied ownership of the weapons the other personal effects seized (passports, amulets, charms, traditional bullet-proof vests etc) somehow lent credence to the DSS claim.

Presently there is a judicial battle engaged by the Buhari regime to have Igboho brought back to Nigeria from the neighbouring Benin Republic to face justice. He was officially accused by the Nigerian government of gun-running, incitation of violence and insurrection.

Last monday the trial of the two most-wanted 'terrorists' began in earnest, one in Abuja and the other in Cotonou. While the DSS failed to produce Kanu in court citing logistical problems Igboho was present at the Cour d'Appel de Cotonou where his case was heard.

The Beninese Judges were trying Igboho principally for his illegal entry into the Francophone country and not on extradition demands of the Buhari regime or his possession of fake Beninese passport with which he had sought to bolt away into exile in Germany. After a marathon trial spanning hours till about midnight Igboho was ordered remanded in custody pending further investigations.

By allegedly forging the Beninese international passport Igboho could have pulled off his escape to Germany if he were to have used another airport other than that of Cotonou. A crime in itself in Benin, passport forgery, Igboho could have used the huge network of Yorubas in Benin Republic to realise the 'Oluwole' passport with which he sought to flee.

He did beat the security surveillance in Nigeria by escaping from Nigeria through the famous 'NADECO route'. He could have disguised himself as a woman or hidden inside a boot of a car or even escorted by rogue security personnel for a fee. Perhaps Ayodele Fayose, the former Governor of Ekiti State, could have given Igboho some lessons on how best to beat security even around Government House.

Fayose, it would be recalled, during his first stint as Executive Governor of Ekiti State during 'Babacracy', had reportedly hidden himself inside a rickety car as his 'immunity' expired following the end of his tenure.

Obasanjo had vowed to get him arrested for massive corruption allegations but he smartly evaded arrest!

When we warned Igboho against his fetish hubris in one of our essays few months ago he probably did not read it or take it seriously. Now with 'juju' failing him at home and abroad it remains to be seen how much his faith in same had shaken. If he is not yet demystified then his demystification could come sooner than expected.

When he was picked up at the airport in Cotonou a scuffle reportedly broke out leading to a wounded wrist. And when a handcuff was applied to the wounded wrist Igboho was said to be in serious pain, crying all night long like a baby whose feeding bottle had been taken forcefully away! His marabouts or fetish priests were nowhere to be found!

Igboho may not be 'finished' yet having been found and fixed as it were. But in the end whether his extradiction back to Nigeria works or backfires President Buhari has succeeded in silencing yet another strong voice for secession.

The embattled underwhelming President had scored a major point by having Kanu in Abuja and Igboho in Cotonou -- all behind bars. If Igboho is eventually sent home following the improbable judicial triumph by the Nigerian state then Buharism could have had everything to celebrate for. Caging Kanu and Igboho is about the 'greatest' achievement recorded thus far by a rudderless administration whose colossal failure to fix things social and economic and improve the Nigerian condition has since been established as a fact.

Yet, while President Buhari and his gang could gloat over the mortal blow inflicted on the leadership of the separatist movements in the south-east and south-west the truth of the matter remains that Igboho and Kanu are not the major problems confronting our nation. Sectionalism, injustice, inequality, poverty and terrorism are more dangerous problems than the agitations for the Biafran and Oduduwa Republics.

If things were normal, if the President were to be ruling well then the Kanus and Igbohos of this world would not have emerged to right the wrongs perceived in the system.

With Boko Haram's Abubakar Shekau dispatched to the great beyond (even though Buhari and the ruling APC mob could not claim credit for his elimination) and IPOB/ESN's Nnamdi Kanu cornered and caged the coast is now clear for Buhari to continue in his hypocritical 'One-Nigeria' mantra.

Yet restructuring, in our patriotic reckoning, remains the only way out, going forward.

SOC Okenwa
soco_abj_2006_rci@hotmail.fr

Olusegun Bamgbose, Esq., National Coordinator, Concerned Advocates for Good Governance, CAGG, has told Sunday Igboho to stop running or avoid being deported back to Nigeria from Benin Republic.

Bamgbose reminded Igboho that Yorubas are not known to be cowards, while offering to stand in defence for him as one of his lawyers if he returns to the country to face trial.

“Much as I do not support his agitation for the Oduduwa Republic, I will support his right to agitate for a better life for his people,” the senior lawyer told DAILY POST on Friday.

The Nigerian Government has been making frantic efforts to bring Igboho back to Nigeria to answer charges levelled against him ever since he was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic along with some members of his immediate family.

The activist was arrested by the Beninese authorities while trying to escape Nigeria to Germany through the air.

He is currently going through trials in the tiny West African nation for allegedly being in possession of a fake Beninese passport, among other charges.

His lawyers are working round the clock to ensure that he is not deported to Nigeria as new charges have cropped up against him.

The latest development is that there are plans by the Benin Republic to deport him to Nigeria to avoid a diplomatic crisis with Nigeria.

“I want Igboho back in Nigeria, Yorubas are not known to be cowards. Much as I do not support his agitation for the Oduduwa Republic, I will support his right to agitate for a better life for his people,” Bamgbose added.

“Gani Fawehinmi of blessed memory was a renowned dogged fighter in his days, he had the opportunity to leave Nigeria, but he chose to remain in Nigeria and fight injustice and bad governance, he died a hero.

“Heroes don’t run, rather they stand still amid terror, oppression, and intimidation. Sunday Igboho should not be a coward, he should elect to come back to Nigeria, no evil can befall him.

“I will be prepared to be one of his defense lawyers pro bono to ensure that justice and rule of law prevail. Nnamdi Kanu is here in custody of the Federal Government, why should Igboho be on the run? Yorubas are known for their courage and bravery.

“I won’t support him to travel to Germany or any other country, Nigeria is his father’s land, he should not fear anything, there is absolutely nothing to be scared of.

“Chief Olusegun Obasanjo was once detained by Abacha, but he came out to be the first elected President of Nigeria that ruled for 8 uninterrupted years.

“Those defending him not to return to Nigeria are not helping matters, the Yorubas used to say,’ Ile baba ki ba omo leru’ (The house of a father does not scare the son).

“I will therefore encourage Sunday Igboho to elect to be brought back to Nigeria for trial. His case won’t be the first one and may not be the last one. No harm can befall him in his father’s land.

“Let him come back to Nigeria. If what someone believes is not worth suffering and dying for, then it’s not worth pursuing.

“As said earlier on, I won’t support any form of secession, but I also do not support any form of cowardice. Heroes are not cowards and cowards can’t be heroes.

“I will however strongly advise the Federal Government to handle the agitators wisely. Wisdom and diplomacy are imperative to resolve issues before they become a crisis.”

Nnamdi Kanu’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor has stated that the Department of State Security Services, DSS denied him access to his client on Thursday.

According to statement issued by Ejiofor, on Thursday evening, the DSS refused to allow them meet with Kanu as directed by a court order by Justice Binta Nyako last Monday.

“The Department of State Security Services (DSS) for the umpteenth time, denied us access to our Client today, insisting that our request would be looked into and accordingly approved by their DG before we could be granted access to him.”

“On the 26th Day of July 2021, His Lordship, Hon. Justice Nyako of Court No. 2 Federal High Court Abuja, after listening to our application, wherein I raised serious concerns about the safety and medical condition of Our Client, whom ordinarily was supposed to be produced in court on that day, ordered that the Detention Authority (DSS) should allow us access to him.”

“Upon our arrival in their office today being the 29th Day of July 2021, conspicuously armed with the Court Order under reference, the officials of the DSS, though admitted being aware of the Said Order but directed Us to come up with a formal application stating the names of persons who are visiting, which request was promptly complied with.”

“While we awaited to be admitted for the visit, the officials of the DSS unfortunately came back to inform us that we should go and await further communication from them pending the approval of Our request.”

“Attached for your ease of reference is a copy of the Court Order under reference. Details of the visit as worked out in His Lordship’s Chambers by Counsel on both sides and Representative of State Security Services, collectively agreed upon by everyone, is not stated in the attached order, which details is known to all parties on the modality of the visit.”

“I am not surprised by the conduct of the DSS who has the history of disobedience to Court Orders, but I am worried because, we do not know the present state of health of Our Client. I cannot categorically confirm to the World the present state of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, as at today.”

“It is to be pointed out that Our Client is presently detained in DSS facility pursuant to an Order of Court, and another Order made by the same Court directing Our access to our Client on specified days, is unfortunately being flouted by the officials of the State Security Services, as they have no reason or justification of any kind to refuse us access.”

“We will formally communicate the Court first thing tomorrow morning on this unfortunate and strange development, and shall keep the World updated.”

“Should anything untoward happen to Our Client, the Nigerian Government and the Department of State Security Services should be held responsible. Let the World and all responsible Foreign Government take Notice of this dangerous trend.”

A warrant of arrest has been issued against Allen Onyema of Air Peace Limited for alleged money laundering and bank fraud in the United States, court documents seen by PREMIUM TIMES showed.

The warrant was signed by Justin Anand, an American magistrate of the United States District Court of the Northern District of Georgia, on November 19. The warrant authorised U.S. Marshals Service to take Mr Onyema into custody.

PREMIUM TIMES could not immediately confirm Mr Onyema’s location as of Saturday morning, but he was seen at Transcorp Hilton in Abuja on Thursday.

The U.S. and Nigeria have a mutual legal assistance policy that allows both countries to extradite suspects facing criminal charges. Several Nigerians have been sent to the U.S. to stand trial for alleged fraud.

In August, Temitayo Fatunmbi was sentenced to four years’ imprisonment after being found guilty of $8.3 million fraud. His conviction in the U.S. followed his extradition from Nigeria.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) regularly arrests suspects wanted by U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation for fraud or other criminal allegations.

It was unclear whether the U.S. authorities have sought an extradition of Mr Onyema as part of efforts to execute warrant of arrest issued against him.

Mr Onyema was indicted on Friday for allegedly laundering suspicious funds in excess of $20 million dollars in the U.S. Ejiroghene Eghagha, Air Peace’s head of finance and administration, was also indicted and an arrest warrant issued equally against him.

The two Nigerian business executives were accused of conniving to commit money laundering and bank fraud for several years. The U.S. Department of Justice made the allegations public on Friday, but did not mention that an arrest warrant had been issued for Messrs Onyema and Eghagha.

Now that the lid has been blown off Abba Kyari, what will Buhari’s Government do with its so called super cop, whose recent pastimes is attending celebrity burials. This alleged FBI indictment must not be swept under the table because he shares ethnicity with Buhari

Let us see if Buhari arrests Abba Kyari with the same speed and brutality with which he attempted to arrest Sunday Igboho. This will help us know whether some are more equal than others in Nigeria. Because if Abba Kyari was Igbo, by now he would have been suspended

Imagine a so called ‘super cop’ admitting that he was arranging for native wears to be sown and picked up for a known criminal. Is that the kind of houseboy work he should be doing? Who knows what other errands Abba Kyari runs for other known and unknown fraudsters?

The Imo State police command has arrested a 49 year-old herbalist, Benneth Okoli, accused of preparing charms for members of IPOB/ ESN.

He was arrested after an attack on Omuma Police Station in Oru East LGA of the state by members of ESN.

Imo State police PRO, CSP Michael Abattam said on Wednesday night, that the herbalist was arrested by the command’s tactical team during a discreet investigation after the attack.

Abattam said that after a diligent forensic and technical intelligence gathering, the team was able to trace the location of the native doctor’s shrine.

Benneth reportedly prepares charm for bandits and IPOB members at Akuma in Oru East LGA of Imo State.

He helped them fortify against bullets and knives in the shrine before they go for their operations.

One locally made Improvised Explosive Device, various charms, and weeds suspected to be Indian hemp in a bag were exhibits found at the herbalist’s shrine.

CSP Michael stated that on interrogation, the suspect has made useful statements and is currently assisting the police to arrest the remnants of his gangs presently on the run.

The United States Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California has said that Ramon Abbas, aka Hushpuppi, and his co-conspirator used crime proceeds to acquire a St. Christopher and Nevis citizenship.

St. Christopher and Nevis is a dual-island nation situated between the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is known for beautiful mountains and beaches, according to Wikipedia.

This was contained in a statement released on Wednesday by the court titled, ‘Six Indicted in International Scheme to Defraud Qatari School Founder and then Launder over $1 Million in Illicit Proceeds’.

The court also said Hushpuppi, who pleaded guilty to various charges, including money laundering, wire fraud, and felony, among others, used Abba Kyari, a leader of the Inspector-General of Police’s Intelligence Response Team, to jail one of his associates named Chibuzo Vincent.

Kyari, however, explained in a Facebook post that Hushpuppi called his office and reported a death threat from someone about two years ago.

The cop said the suspect, Vincent, was arrested but later released after investigations revealed that “they are long time friends who have money issues between them”.

Kyari also said he did not receive any money from Hushpuppi.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that Hushpuppi allegedly conspired with five others — including Vincent — to defraud a businessperson in Qatar by claiming to be consultants and bankers who could facilitate a loan to finance the construction of a school, according to the indictment by the court.

Hushpuppi’s associates include 40-year-old Vincent from Nigeria; and 28-year-old Abdulrahman Juma from Kenya. Others are Yusuf Anifowoshe, 26; Rukayat Fashola, 28; and Bolatito Agbabiaka, 34 — all Nigerian.

“Approximately $230,000 of the stolen funds allegedly were used to purchase a Richard Mille RM11-03 watch, which was hand-delivered to Abbas in Dubai and subsequently appeared in Hushpuppi’s social media posts. Other illicit proceeds from the scheme were allegedly converted into cashier’s checks, including $50,000 in checks that were used by Abbas and a co-conspirator to fraudulently acquire a St. Christopher and Nevis citizenship, as well as a passport for Abbas obtained by creating a false marriage certificate and then bribing a government official in St. Kitts,” the statement partly read.

Acting United States Attorney, Tracy Wilkison, said, “Mr. Abbas, who played a significant role in the scheme, funded his luxurious lifestyle by laundering illicit proceeds generated by con artists who use increasingly sophisticated means. In conjunction with our law enforcement partners, we will identify and prosecute perpetrators of business email compromise scams, which is a massive and growing international crime problem.”

Also, Kristi Johnson, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, described Hushpuppi as one of “the most high-profile money launderers in the world”.

“His celebrity status and ability to make connections seeped into legitimate organizations and led to several spin-off schemes in the U.S. and abroad. Today’s announcement deals a crucial blow to this international network and hopefully serves as a warning to potential victims targeted with this type of theft,” Johnson added.

In a plea agreement document sighted by The PUNCH on Wednesday, Hushpuppi pleaded guilty as charged.

The document was signed by Hushpuppi; his lawyer, Loius Shapiro; and Acting United States Attorney, Tracy Wilkison, among others.

It stated that Hushpuppi risks “20 years’ imprisonment; a three-year period of supervised release; a fine of $500,000 or twice the gross gain or gross loss resulting from the offence.”

The document, however, did not mention the date of the plea hearing.

Hushpuppi is known to have flaunted his luxury lifestyle in private jets with exotic wines and expensive wristwatches. His social media handles were replete with photos of his ostentatious lifestyle before his arrest last year June in Dubai after which he was extradited to the US where he is being prosecuted for money laundering and internet fraud-related charges.

The Crisis rocking the Opposition People Democratic Party, PDP may soon be coming to an end as Rivers state governor, Nyesom Wike was visited by Ex-Vice President and former Presidential aspirant, Atiku Abubakar on Tuesday.

POLITICS NIGERIA gathered that both men have been at loggerheads over control of the Party. It was widely rumoured that Wike was aggressively scheming to maintain control of the party’s structure in order to pave way for his friend, Aminu Tambuwal to clinch the party ticket in 2023.

Atiku on the other hand has been resisting such moves and fighting back. The development even led to a rift between Wike and his bosom friend/National chairman of the party, Uche Secondus.

However, with Tuesday’s meeting in Port-Harcourt, all those differences seem to be set aside and sorted. According to a reliable source privy to details of the meeting, Wike was even heard saying: “If Atiku can manage and unite his Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba wives he will surely unite Nigeria.”

Former Kogi West senator, Dino Jonah Melaye was also present at the meeting. Photos below;

The Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN), has condemned the leadership of Afenifere over the comparison of Sunday Igboho to Prophet Muhammad.

The association said it was wrong for the Yoruba group to liken the travails of Igboho to that of any of the prophets of God.

DAILY POST recalls that Afenifere had yesterday likened the travails of Igboho who is currently on detention in Benin Republic to the persecution and subsequent migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.

But, Oyo State Amirah of FOMWAN, Dr. Bushra Oloso, while speaking warned individuals and associations to desist from likening the botched plan by Igboho to escape to Germany through Cotonou, Benin Republic to the travails suffered by some Prophets of God in the hands of oppressors.

Oloso insisted that it was wrong for anyone to compare Igboho’s travails to God’s ordained migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.

Oloso in a statement made available to DAILY POST in Ibadan, on Tuesday, insisted that her statement became necessary following the stories credited to the Publicity Secretary of Afenifere, Mr Jare Ajayi on Monday.

She said, “Most of Allah’s Messengers if not all emigrated at one time or the other.

“However, the migration of Prophet Muhammad differed from other Prophets because it was the beginning of the establishment of full Islamic practice by the early Muslims.

“At Medina, Prophet Muhammad established the best nation ever raised and from there Islam was embraced by many nations and tribes.”

Oloso admonished Afenifere not to over glorify Sunday Igboho to the extent of conferring the status of the saviour of the Yoruba people on him just as Allah appointed His Prophets to liberate their people from the shackles of one oppression or the other.

While stressing that Islam promotes the oneness of Allah as well as love amongst people of different creeds and tribes across the globe, Oloso appealed to Nigerians to avoid fanning the embers of ethnic, tribal and religious crises which could further aggravate the present delicate situation in Nigeria.

She called on the federal government to bring all ethnic, religious and tribal groups and agitators across the country together for a national discourse where an array of social problems militating against the existence of the country would be discussed, addressed and resolved.

The United States of America says it sold A-29 Super Tucanos to the Nigerian government to support the most populous black nation’s fight against terrorism.

The US’ Chargé d’Affaires, Kathleen FitzGibbon said this during the assessment of the newly arrived first six American Sierra Nevada Corporation/Embraer Defense and Security A-29 “Super Tucano” Light Attack aircraft on Tuesday.

A statement by United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria quoted FitzGibbon as saying that the aircraft represented a historic level of partnership achieved between the US and the Nigerian military.

“Beyond the new hardware that you see on this runway, this programme has brought our two militaries closer in formal training, professional development, air base construction, logistics planning, and negotiations. We are proud to partner with Nigeria in its ‘whole of government’ approach to end violent extremism and ensure a more stable, prosperous country for all Nigerians,” FitzGibbon added.

Also, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard welcomed the pilots and aircraft to Massachusetts on the first leg of their trans-Atlantic flight.

The statement added, “The Super Tucano is a dual-pilot turboprop aircraft built as a workhorse combat air platform, equipped for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and for precision air-to-ground strike missions. The next six aircraft are scheduled for delivery later this year.

“The Super Tucano platform for Nigeria is the United States’ largest Foreign Military Sales program in Sub-Saharan Africa, valued at almost $500 million. This programme follows the Department of Defense’s 'Total Package Approach' model and includes spare parts for several years of operation, contract logistics support, munitions, and a multi-year construction project to improve Kainji’s infrastructure.

“Through this programme, the US Air Force’s 81st Fighter Squadron at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia, trained Nigerian pilots and maintenance crews to US standards. Training also emphasises the Law of Armed Conflict and Civilian Casualty Mitigation, which are fundamental principles of the Nigerian military’s professional education and training.

“With the A-29 Super Tucano purchase, the Nigerian Air Force also has become a founding member of the US Air Force’s 'Combined Light Attack Experiment,' which is developing Light Attack global best-practice tactics and doctrine for the 21st century.”

President Muhammadu Buhari had placed an order for 12 Super Tucano fighter jets after elaborate deliberations with the US government.

The Nigerian Air Force last Thursday took delivery of the first batch of six jets from the US.

The Federal Government says it has so far distributed 300,000 hybrid cocoa seedlings to farmers in the four geopolitical zones where cocoa is produced through the Federal Ministry for Agriculture and Rural Development.

It also said some other agricultural inputs were also distributed to farmers, adding specifically that the seedlings were distributed to the farmers in the South-West, South-South, North Central and South-East geopolitical zones of the country.

The Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Alhaji Mohammed Nanono, stated this at the inauguration of the National Secretariat of the Cocoa Farmers Association of Nigeria, in Akure, the Ondo State capital, on Monday.

According to the minister, the gesture of the Federal Government was part of the efforts to develop the agricultural sector, increase production and encourage cocoa farmers.

He said, “The ministry has so far distributed over 300,000 improved hybrid cocoa seedlings in the South-West, South-South, North Central and South-East and about 350 cartons of Ultimax-plus were distributed last year in South-South and South-East roll-out.

[b]“The 500 units of solo pumps were distributed to cocoa farmers aimed at increasing cocoa production from the present 250,000 metric tonnes to 350,000 metric tonnes.

“The FMARD also recently procured Growth Enhancers, Fungicides (Ultimax Plus) and insecticides (Avesthrin) which were distributed to cocoa farmers at subsidised rates to enhance production alongside the support of Solar Cocoa collapsible driers to cocoa commodity associations.”

The minister urged the farmers’ association to continue contributing meaningfully to increase production and productivity despite daunting challenges.

The state governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Lucky Aiyedatiwa, said the state had been promoting local consumption of cocoa produced in the state.

He appealed to the Federal Government to incorporate chocolate consumption in its school feeding programme.

Speaking at the programme, the National Chairman of the CFAN, Mr Adeola Adegoke, sought more assistance from the government in the area of cocoa inputs subsidisation for his members.

Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to resign over his inability to secure the country from criminals, which makes the blood of innocent lives to flow in the country.

Gumi added that the same advice he gave the erstwhile president, Goodluck Jonathan, would be given to his “own brother” who appeared to be less democratic even than Jonathan.

The Islamic scholar made these revelations as he addressed a Muslim gathering as seen in a video by SaharaReporters on Tuesday.

Gumi said, “During the Jonathan era when blood was flowing, I criticised him because he was not doing enough. Why I blamed Jonathan with blood in his hands was because Boko Haram were putting bombs everywhere and the government was not doing enough.

“Because they killed under your regime, you’re responsible for that matter, if you have done your best, I can say Allah can forgive you, but if you are relaxed, no Allah cannot forgive you.

“So, the same thing now; the bloodshed now is more than the bloodshed during Jonathan's regime. So, now, you judge yourself to be fair. Our religion is a religion of fairness. We are fair to ourselves. During Jonathan, when blood was flowing in churches, mosques, and streets, I said let him resign because he could not control it. He could not handle it. I said resign with immediate effect.

“When people are dying everywhere, and the President and governors are attending wedding ceremonies. That’s what I mean by I don’t care. It is either if I’m true to myself. As I called for the resignation of Jonathan, I should call for the resignation of President Buhari. With immediate effect and the government papers (media) should carry it also.

“Even Jonathan as bad as he was, he was more democratic. When he saw there was a problem, he relinquished power and he said I don’t want blood,” Gumi said.

Gumi said he had two options either which to apologise to Jonathan or to ask Buhari to resign. He said he was not left with a third option, insisting that Buhari should resign for not tackling insecurity.

“Now, I have one or two options. If I cannot tell my own brother what I have told this man, then I should take an aeroplane from Abuja to Jonathan and say forgive me for castigating you in public. Either seeking an apology or castigating the President; there is no third option,” Gumi added.

Some members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) were arrested by the police on Monday as they converged on the federal high court in Abuja for Nnamdi Kanu’s trial.

The IPOB members were chanting slogans in support of Kanu and demanding his freedom.

Some of them wore Jewish apparel.

There was commotion as the police tried to disperse members of the group.

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Some of them were subsequently arrested while others fled.

Kanu’s trial is scheduled to continue today after he was arrested and extradited to Nigeria in June.

He was re-arraigned and remanded in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) upon his extradition to Nigeria.

The IPOB leader is facing charges of treasonable felony for his agitation for an independent Republic of Biafra.

The agitation turned violent as members of the group took up arms, killing security agents and destroying public infrastructure in the south-east.

Less than 24 hours to the trial of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, leader, Nnamdi Kanu, the Federal High Court has accredited just 10 journalists to cover the event.

A copy of the circular signed by the Chief Information Officer, Catherine Oby Christopher as seen by Vanguard listed Herald, NTA, NAN, Channels, AIT, The Nation, Premium Times, Daily Independent, This Day and TVC.

ABUJA – A High Court of the Feder­al Capital Territory sitting in Maitama has ordered the remand of one Mohammed Buhari for allegedly selling and receiving the sum of N7.5 million for a parcel of land.

The Federal Government, in the charge dated June 15, alleged that Buhari had on or about November 5, 2018, by false pretence, collected the sum of N7.5m from an unsus­pecting buyer, pretending that he was the owner of a parcel of land situated at Sabon Lug­be in Abuja.

Consequently, he was ar­raigned on Thursday on one-count charge dated June 15, which borders on obtaining money by false pretence.

The prosecution had told the court that the defendant received payment for the land through his bank.

By the act, he was said to have committed an offence contrary to section 1(1) (a) of the Advanced Fee Fraud and other Fraud Related Of­fences Act, 2006, and punish­able under section 1(3) of the same Act.

The Emir of Muri in Taraba State, Alhaji Abbas Njida Tafida, has said the 30-day ultimatum he issued to criminal herders to vacate the forests within the state or be forced out became necessary following atrocities linked to them.

Tafida had on Tuesday during Eid prayers to mark this year’s Eid-el-kabir celebration given a 30-day ultimatum to the herders to leave Taraba forest.

According to him, information available to him indicated that the rising cases of kidnappings, killings, and attacks in the state were linked to the criminal herders occupying the forests.

Speaking in Hausa, the Emir charged the leadership of Fulani herders in the State to fish out the bad eggs among them for a peaceful society.

“Our Fulani herdsmen in the forests, you came into this state and we accepted you, why then will you be coming to towns and villages to kidnap people and rape our women?

“Because of this unending trend, every Fulani herdsman in the state, living in the forests have been given 30 days ultimatum to vacate the forests.

“We are tired of having sleepless nights and the hunger alone in the land is enormous and we will not allow this to continue,” he said.

Reuben Abati, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has asked if Obi Cubana’s mother, who was buried recently, ever saw, handled or spent a bundle of crisp Naira notes in her lifetime.

The journalist, in a write up on Wednesday, also wondered why nothing was heard of Obi Cubana’s family members during the much talked about burial.

“Does he even have siblings or extended family members?” he queried.

Abati raised many issues concerning the lavish funeral that took place in Oba, Anambra State, last weekend including how Obi Cubana made such money and how much tax he pays to the Nigerian government.

“Obi Cubana has every right to bury his mother the way he wants. But who is he? How did he make his money? How much tax does he pay to the Nigerian government?

“I am not sure half of the people at the event even know who Cubana’s mother was,” he wrote.

“What kind of person was she? How did she relate within the community? Did she ever see, handle, spend, a bundle of crisp Naira notes in her lifetime?

“Who are Obi Cubana’s family members? Does he even have siblings or extended family members?”

Itsekiris and the Binis had Igbo slaves for centuries before British colonialism.

After the British banned slavery, we were forced to set them free. Some of them returned to Igbo land, others remained with us and gradually formed a new language called ******* (an Itsekiri word which we used to call them while they were our slaves). There are about 200,000 ******* still with us.

(I will not reveal the name of this tribe called *******, because I do not want to offend them, but they are in Delta state)
If they speak, an Igbo person will understand some of what they say, while Itsekiris, Binis and even European Portuguese people will understand them too.

Those of them who chose to return to Igbo land have Igbo names that sound like Itsekiri or Benin names, for example Iweka, and many names beginning with Oba or Iken.
That is how some of our names and also Benin names went into the Igbo lexicon.

We have century old carvings in Ode Itsekiri and Benin depicting Igbo slaves, which we sold to the Portuguese via our ancient pre colonial port called Ogidigben. The grandfather of the present Oba of Benin showed some of these carvings to the world famous British anthropologist, Sir David Attenborough in 1973. The video is on YouTube. When you see the carving, even you will have no doubt that the person is Igbo.

Because of the sheer number of Igbo slaves we sold at Ogidigben, the Portuguese named the town Escravos, which means slave in Portuguese. Till today, many people still call Ogidigben Escravos.

We also sold slaves in another town called Burutu, which the Portuguese renamed Forcados (meaning forced labourer, which is a nicer way of saying slaves).

Obviously, I am not too proud of this history. I wish it never happened. History is not always pleasant. I am only revealing it to you because you are getting the wrong idea of linkages between our two peoples.

Documentary Evidence Of Precolonial Benin-Itsekiri Relations With Igbos.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=05d287NGqp8

Lead counsel for arrested Yoruba Nation activist Sunday Adeyemo aka Sunday Igboho, has described as inhuman, the treatment his client was being subjected to in the custody of the police in Benin Republic.

The counsel, Chief Yomi Alliyu ( SAN), said this while speaking with The PUNCH on Tuesday night.

He said Igboho’s wife, Ropo, a German citizen, who was arrested together with the activist, was also kept in a separate cell by the police in the neighbouring country.

He said, “They chained him in the cell where they put him in Cotonou. There was a fracas at the airport yesterday when he was arrested. They hit him in the hand and that same hand was handcuffed, he is in pains and he was weeping like a child when I called, I heard him.

“The wife too was put in a separate cell but they didn’t chain the wife. He was crying, the wife was crying too cease he was writhing in pains seriously. We only pray they don’t pay anybody to kill him. You don’t out somebody in cell and still chain the person.

“You know he sustained injury and they didn’t take him to hospital for treatment. We heard that he is appearing in court tomorrow but I don’t know whether that will carry it out.”

Recall that Igboho and his wife was arrested at the Cadjèhoun Airport in Cotonou, Benin Republic around 8pm on Monday. They were about to catch a flight to Germany before Interpol apprehended them.

Police in Zamfara have rescued one hundred kidnapped victims without ransom.

They were rescued by troops of the Nigerian Police in Dajin Kabaro Forest in Zamfara state after forty two days in captivity.

Addressing newsmen in Gusau on the successes, the spokesperson of the state Police Command Superintendent Shehu Mohammed said the victims were abducted in Mutunji and Dan- Sadau communities in Maru local government area of Zamfara state while on their way to Gusau the state Capital.

Twenty out of the one hundred victims were reunited with their families due to their ill health.

The Zamfara State Police Command assured it will continue to protect citizens in all nooks and crannies of the state

The release of the one hundred kidnap victims after forty two days in captivity is coming few days after thirteen Police Personnel were killed by armed Bandits in Zamfara.

The Indigenous People of Biafra has named Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, as well as a former Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Prof Charles Soludo, as part of the unfolding catalogue of Igbo personalities that betrayed the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB, however, stated that Anambra State Governor, Willie Obiano, was no longer among the traitors that facilitated the abduction and extradition of its leader.

The separatist group had earlier announced on July 15 that Obiano alongside Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State, labour Minister Senator Chris Ngige, and Chief Emeka Offor allegedly bankrolled the activities that seized and repatriated its leader from Kenya to Nigeria.

In a statement through the group’s media and publicity secretary, Emma Powerful, on Tuesday, IPOB declared that its new investigations revealed that Soludo as well as the Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, were also involved.

While the secessionist group insisted that Kanu’s Judases will face the music of their action of helping the Nigerian government to capture its helmsman, it also affirmed that more traitors will be published.

The statement titled, “We Have Uncovered More Biafran Traitors Involved In The Betrayal Of Our Leader – IPOB” reads in part, “Through indepth investigations and intelligence gathering, we, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), have uncovered more Biafran traitors involved in the betrayal of our Leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and his subsequent abduction and extra-rendition from Kenya to Nigeria. These saboteurs colluded with the federal government to perpetrate the heinous crime.

“Just as we promised after we released the first list of these traitors that we were conducting further investigations to unravel other collaborators, our investigations had revealed the involvement of the following individuals: Senator Chris Ngige, the Supreme Court administrator of Imo State Senator Hope Uzodinma, Professor Chukwuma Soludo and other businessmen in Anambra and Imo State who contributed immensely for the job. We will handle them.

“Recall that in our earlier release on this, we noted that we were still investigating the level of Ngige's involvement in this abominable act, and our indepth investigations have proved him culpable in the act. Other people involved will soon publish to the public, our intelligence units are still working to unravel them.

"Some Igbo businessmen and women who were involved in the abominable act in Anambra State and Imo State will soon be exposed to the public.

“We, however, wish to absolve Gov. Willie Obiano from any involvement in the act contrary to our earlier statement based on preliminary investigation. Gov. Willie Obiano was found to be innocent after our intelligence unit conducted further investigations on him. We regret any harm our earlier statement might have caused him.”

The statement also disclosed that former National Chairman of the All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Victor Umeh was not among the collaborators.

“We don't act based on rumour or mere propaganda senator Sir Victor Umeh is innocent of the accusations against him, the voice note going viral where they mentioned Victor Umeh is not true and our people should disregard that voice against him anybody involved in such an abominable act should desist from such and repent because IPOB will get him or her who are responsible for this cowardly act.

“We are responsible enough to admit our error any time any day. So, we apologise to Gov. Obiano and Victor Umeh.

“Meanwhile, the following individuals based on our indepth investigations so far played key roles in the betrayal of our leader, Nnamdi Kanu. They not only betrayed him but contributed funds to sponsor his extra-ordinary rendition to Nigeria.

“They include: Emeka Offor, Gov. Nyesom Wike, Chris Ngige Imo State administrator Hope Uzodinma and Professor Chukwuma Soludo. They decided to trap our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu because of their political and commercial interests which they consider above the overall good and emancipation of Biafrans.

“We want to make it clear to them that Biafra will hold them responsible for whatever happens to our leader. They cannot stop us,” the statement added.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday trekked to his residence after observing Eid el-Kabir prayer at the Daura Eid ground in Katsina State.

In a video shared by his Personal Assistant on New Media, Bashir Ahmad, President Buhari was seen trekking for a distance with other top officers.

Crowds were also seen hailing the president as he moved to his residence in his hometown.

“President Muhammadu Buhari treks back home after observing Eid el-Kabir prayer at the Daura Eid ground earlier today”, Bashir posted on his official Facebook page.

Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RP3wGO4QHI8

One of the counsels to the Yoruba freedom fighter, Sunday Adeyemo, popularly known as Sunday Igboho, who was arrested in Cotonou, Benin Republic, Pelumi Olajengbesi, has state that the activist surrendered himself and was not captured by the security operatives.

Igboho had been arrested on Monday night in Cotonou as sources noted that he was heading for Germany.

He was, however, nabbed by security operatives in the neighbouring country.

Speaking with SaharaReporters on Tuesday morning, Olajengbesi said, “Truly he was arrested and I have confirmed that. We are making efforts to ensure that he is fine. You know the Department of State Services declared him wanted. We just believe that Sunday Igboho is not the problem. He is someone who believed that the Yoruba people and Nigerians generally should live in peace wherever they are.

“As a matter of fact, let me tell you now. That Sunday Igboho was arrested simply because he wanted to make himself available to the government. If not, Sunday Igboho is not someone who can be arrested that way. But because he believes that the journey to justice for the Yoruba people and for the Nigerian state to be able to live in peace may be needed for him to be available, that was why.”

A source privy to the incident had said, "Sunday Igboho has been arrested in Cotonou. He was arrested about an hour ago.

"He was supposed to travel to Germany through Cotonou this night. He wanted to leave Africa through Cotonou. He was arrested by security operatives in Cotonou.

"They are planning to bring him back to Nigeria."

Recall that the Department of State Services had declared Igboho wanted after its operatives carried out a bloody midnight raid on his residence in the Soka area of Ibadan, Oyo State.

The DSS Public Relations Officer, Peter Afunnaya, had advised Igboho to turn himself in to the nearest security.
“Those cheering and eulogising him may appeal to or advise him to do the needful,” Afunnaya said. “He should surrender himself to the appropriate authorities. He or anyone can never be above the law."