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Tag: law enforcement

  • I’m not in support of violence in South East -Kanu

    I’m not in support of violence in South East -Kanu

    The embattled Nnamdi Kanu has distanced himself from the violence in the South Eastern part of the country by Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) members.

    Speaking after the court refused to grant his bail application, Kanu vowed that those behind the violence in the name of being an IPOB member would not be spared.

    He noted that the violence persisted because he was being held in the custody of DSS, adding that if released, there would be peace in the entire South- East.

    He said, “Anybody committing crime cannot go free. I swear it. Anybody committing crime in the east cannot go free. They are doing it because I am in the DSS(custody). If I were to be outside, nobody can try this. I suspect that some people in government are complicit. They are making money with the insecurity.

    “They know if Nnamdi Kanu is outside, in two minutes this nonsense will stop. Who is the bagger or idiot that will speak when I am talking. That I will give an order in the East who is the idiot that I will an order that will counter it ? Nobody can. I am Nnmadi Kanu. Rubbish!.

    “Anybody involved in any form of violence in the East in the name of IPOB is a goner and they know it. Let me come out of this mess, only two minutes there will be peace in the East. “

  • BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Bail Appeal Denied

    BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Bail Appeal Denied

    The Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday rejected the bail application by the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    The trial judge, Justice Binta Nyako, however, granted an accelerated hearing instead.

    Counsel for the IPOB leader, Alloy Ejimakor, had at the last adjourned date urged the court to admit Kanu to bail before the commencement of the trial.

    Ejimakor stated that Kanu’s health condition was deteriorating, adding that his continued detention by the DSS was a threat to his life.

    Ejimakor also argued that the continued incarceration of Kanu would not enable him to put up a good defence in the matter.

    But the counsel for the FG, Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), urged the court to dismiss the bail application and instead grant an accelerated hearing.

    He noted that the DSS has a medical facility that could take care of him.

    Awomolo also accused Kanu of once jumping bail, adding that he failed to declare on oath in the affidavit filed by his lawyer that if granted bail, he wouldn’t jump bail.

    He was earlier granted bail on health grounds on April 25, 2017, after spending 18 months in detention but he fled the country after an invasion of his residence by the military in September 2017.

  • No hiding place – Nigerian Army warns Okuama community

    No hiding place – Nigerian Army warns Okuama community

    The Nigerian Army has warned the Okuama community in Delta state, to “be ready to face the full wrath of the law”.

    This follows the killing of soldiers who were on “a peaceful and mediatory mission”, following a communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba communities.

    In a statement signed by Major-General Onyema Nwachukwu, the Director Army Public Relations, the Army flayed the community for resorting to propaganda instead of fishing out the culprits.

    It read: “The unfortunate killing of troops of 181 Amphibious Battalion of the Nigerian Army (NA), while on a peaceful and mediatory mission, after a reported case of communal clash between Okuama and Okoloba Communities in Ughelli South and Bomadi LGAs of Delta State respectively is not only despicable but should be unreservedly condemned by all.

    “These were troops committed to peace and security of lives and property of citizens and non-citizens alike in the Niger Delta Region, murdered in cold blood by an armed youth gang of Okuama Community, in the most gruesome, heartless and cruel manner and went ahead to sacrilegiously debase their remains by ripping out their hearts by the very people they were there to protect.

    “Regrettably, the community complicit in this dastardly act has resorted to media propaganda and shenanigans, rather than engage in a positive effort to fish out the perpetrators of this heinous crime. This again is a clear indication that the murder of the troops was a communally orchestrated attack against legitimate forces.

    “The falsehood being peddled by these criminals and their cohorts to whip up sentiments and sway the public to coverup, endorse or support the outrageous criminal acts of their armed youth gang should be disregarded in its entirety, it is only a ridiculous attempt at justifying their crime, rather than turn in themselves to security agencies. There is no amount of propaganda that would arm-twist the narrative, they are complicit and must be ready to face the wrath of the law.

    “While law-abiding citizens are assured that there will be no reprisal on the part of the troops, we enjoin all to go about their normal activities, even as ongoing efforts are scaled up to positively identify and isolate the criminals to account for their atrocious deeds.

    “The Chief of Army of Staff, Lt Gen Toareed Lagbaja, while commiserating with the families of the officers and soldiers who lost their lives, has directed that no stone should be left unturned until the perpetrators of this gruesome acts are apprehended to face the full wrath of the law. Troops are determined to get to these criminals, there is certainly no hiding place for them.”

  • Terrorists Abduct 87 Persons In Kaduna

    Terrorists Abduct 87 Persons In Kaduna

    Suspected terrorists have abducted about 87 people in a fresh attack on the Kajuru-Station community in Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The latest attack was confirmed by a member of the Kajuru-Station Youths, Harisu Dari, on Monday.

    Harisu, said the terrorists stormed the village around 10 pm, breaking into some shops and stealing food items and other valuables.

    He explained that no contact has been established yet with the 87 locals abducted on Sunday night.

    “As of the time I visited the community this morning, security operatives have not been drafted to help restore the confidence of the villagers.

    “The villagers are traumatized by the sad development. The government needs to re-strategise in tackling these terrorists,” he said.

    The attack came barely two days after 15 women and a man were abducted in the Dogon-Noma community of the same local government.

    Kajuru and Chikun LGs had in the past two weeks become the hotbed of kidnapping, causing tension in the state.

    Recall that the terrorists had in two weeks kidnapped over 172 villagers in the area.

    However, the state Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Mansir Hassan is yet to respond as of the time of filing this report.

  • Alleged Terrorism financing: Court orders Binance Ltd. to release data to EFCC

    Alleged Terrorism financing: Court orders Binance Ltd. to release data to EFCC

    Justice Emeka Nwite of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has ordered Binance Holdings Limited to release all the comprehensive data or information of all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission(EFCC).

    Binance is a cryptocurrency exchange that lists more than 350 cryptocurrencies globally.

    The interim order was granted to enable the anti-graft agency unravel the alleged money laundering and terrorism financing on Binance, a crypto currency exchange platform.

    Justice Emeka Nwite granted the interim order after ruling on the ex-parte motion moved by the EFCC’s lawyer, Ekele Iheanacho.

    “The applicant’s application dated and filed 29th February, 2024, is hereby granted as prayed.

    “That an order of this honourable court is hereby made directing the operators of Binance to provide the commission with comprehensive data/information relating to all persons from Nigeria trading on its platform,” the judge ordered.

    The ex-parte motion, marked: FHC/ABJ/CS/259/2024, was brought pursuant to Sections 6(b), (h), (I), 7(1), (a)(2), and 38 of the Economic and Financial Crimes Establishment Act, 2004 and Section 15 of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022 (as amended) and the inherent powers of the court.

    In the affidavit in support of the motion deposed to by Hamma Bello, an operative of the EFCC, he said he was attached to the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of the commission domiciled in the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA).

    Bello averred that, following the inauguration of the Technical Committee on Currency Stability and Forex Manipulation by the ONSA, the SIT “received an intelligence stating the nefarious activities (money laundering and terrorism financing) on Binance, a crypto currency exchange platform.

    “That on receipt of the Intelligence, the team began investigation by conducting surveillance of the activities of the platform.

    “That the team uncovered users who have been using the platform for price discovery, confirmation and market manipulation which has caused tremendous distortions in the market, resulting in the Naira losing its values against other currencies.

    “That the damage the platform has caused was clearly explained to the operators of the platform and they were requested to delist the Naira and avail the ONSA on the activities of the Nigerians on their platform.

    “That from the information afforded to the team by Binance shows that the total trading volume from Nigeria in 2023 alone stood at $21.6 (twenty one billion, six hundred million dollars).

    “Attached and marked as Exhibit EFCC 1 is a copy of the document from Binance to the ONSA stating this fact amongst others.

    “That the commission will ensure that investigation is conducted within such reasonable time.”

    Bello, who said that the matter was of utmost urgent public interest, said the data provided would enable the commission accomplish its investigation activities.

    He said it was in the interest of justice to grant the application as refusal of the request would largely hamper the commission’s investigation.

    In addition to cryptocurrency trading, it offers several services that enhance the experience for users and blockchain developers.

  • 16 Soldiers Killed In Delta State

    16 Soldiers Killed In Delta State

    Some military personnel on a peace mission to Okuama community in Delta state have been killed.

    According to a press statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information at the Defence Headquarters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the troops were of 181 Amphibious Batallion.

    He said they were headed to Bomadi Local Government Area of Delta State on a peace mission to the Okuama community, and they were surrounded by some community youths and killed on Thursday, 14 March 2024.

    His words: ”The unfortunate incident occurred when the troops responded to a distress call after the communal crisis between the Okuama and Okoloba communities both in Delta State.

    ”The reinforcement team led by the Commanding officer was also attacked, leading to the death of the Commanding officer, two Majors, one Captain and 12 Soldiers.

    ”The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa has has directed the immediate investigation and arrest of those involved in the heinous crime. The occurrence has been reported to the Delta State Government.

    ”However, the military remains focused and committed to its mandate of maintaining peace and security in the country.

    ”So far, a few arrests have been made, while steps in place to unravel the motive behind the attack.”

  • Terrorists Launch Fresh Attack On Kaduna Community

    Terrorists Launch Fresh Attack On Kaduna Community

    Terrorists, on Saturday, launched a fresh attack on the Dogon-noma community in the Kajuru Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

    The attack is coming barely three days after one person was killed, and eight women were kidnapped in the Banono Angwaku community of the same local government.

    A former chairman of the local government, Cafra Caino, confirmed the fresh attack to our correspondent on Saturday.

    According to him, the attackers invaded the village around 5.45am on Saturday in large numbers, shooting indiscriminately.

    Caino said, “We are yet to get the number of casualties because the locals ran for their lives at the time the assailants invaded the community.

    “The community had, some time in 2019, come under heavy attack where 74 people were killed and the community recently has been experiencing attacks.”

  • More Attacks Imminent Unless Nigerian Government Negotiates With Bandits – Sheikh Gumi

    More Attacks Imminent Unless Nigerian Government Negotiates With Bandits – Sheikh Gumi

    Kaduna based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has re-emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to dialogue with bandits in order to stop incessant attacks on innocent citizens. 

    The cleric stated that there is no military solution to end the insecurity problems Nigeria is currently facing. 
     
    Speaking during an interview session with AriseNews TV on Friday morning, the Islamic scholar insisted that persistent military attacks on the terrorists were responsible for their latest lack of sympathy on Nigerians they abducted. 
     
    He admonished the Nigerian government should emulate how the United States’ government negotiated with the Taliban terrorists by also having a dialogue with the bandits to prevent the insurgence in the country. 
     
    “This thing (banditry) is turning into something else. We are turning them into monsters, more monsters as what they are. They are ignorant, they don’t have direction, they don’t have leadership, they don’t have empathy now because of the way we treat them too, we don’t care when we burn them,” he said 
     
    “When we burn their children and women, in fact this very recent incident is just a tip of an iceberg; what has been happening in the bush, until we change our tactics and allow people who know, these politicians, I am tired of them. 
     
    “I was a military man myself, but I don’t think there is a military solution, in fact I think it is humiliating military to think that the military should take care of civilian insurgency, what we need is a very good detective work, very good policing, very good social programme. We should leave our military off these issues. Our military knows fire for fire and these people do not have the fire power, they hide behind the civilians and do whatever they do. So don’t let us humiliate and disgrace our military. This is not their job, this is the job of politicians. This is the job of the police, this is the job of intelligence.  
     
    “In fact I believe no ransom should be paid, I believe that but engage, engage these people. Give them hope. But not only in these children’s cases, be holistic. I heard when one military man said it is turning into a war, I am so sad to see that they are now realising that it is turning into a war. It has been war since, it has been ethnic war, it’s been class war, it is not just more than criminality. We have to accept that. 
     
    “If we can see Israel and Hamas exchanging prisoners, I don’t see why we can’t negotiate. If Americans can negotiate with the Taliban, I don’t see why we can’t. They (foreign governments) can’t impose on us their own ideas when behind the door, they also negotiate with these terrorists.”

  • FG Files Terrorism Charges Against Miyetti Allah President

    FG Files Terrorism Charges Against Miyetti Allah President

    The Nigerian government has taken action against Bello Bodejo, the President of Miyetti Allah Kautal Hore, by filing terrorism charges against him. 

    The charges alleged his involvement in establishing and arming an unauthorized ethnic militia group, deemed a threat to national security.

    Bodejo was apprehended on January 23 for purportedly organizing and arming a vigilante group from the Miyetti Allah office in Nasarawa State. 

    The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, filed a motion seeking Bodejo’s remand, which was granted for 15 days by Justice Inyang Edem Ekwo.

    Despite the court’s directive to charge Bodejo within seven days of the remand expiration, the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA) failed to produce him before the court for arraignment. 

    The prosecution explained the delay, stating that charges were filed on March 12, prompting the defense to request bail for their client.

    However, the prosecution vehemently opposed the bail plea, citing national security concerns. Justice Ekwo reserved ruling on the matter for March 22.

  • Popular Abuja Market On Fire

    Popular Abuja Market On Fire

    A fire has erupted at Wuse Market Abuja’s bustling commercial hub, on Tuesday evening. 

    The fire prompted immediate evacuations and a swift response from emergency services.

    The cause of the inferno has remained unknown, but the rapid mobilization of firefighters and security personnel to the site shows the gravity of the situation. 

    The market, known for its extensive array of goods and services, experienced an abrupt halt in activities as traders and shoppers alike were seen fleeing the vicinity.

    This incident follows a tragic event on February 29, 2024, where a fire claimed three lives in a residential building within EFAB estate, Karsana District, near Gwarinpa.

    The fire reportedly originated from an explosion linked to a diesel drum, leading to a fierce battle against the flames by both residents and the Federal Fire Service (FFS).

    The current fire at Wuse Market has caused significant concern among the populace, given the market’s prominence and the recent memory of the EFAB estate tragedy.