DSS accuses Biafra activists of killing burying 55 unidentified persons

The Department of State Services has taken over Umuanyi Forest near Aba in Abia State, where it said unidentified 55 shallow graves were discovered recently.

 

Biafran Protest over Kanu

Not less than 55 identified persons were said to have been allegedly buried in the graves by members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra.

The DSS on Saturday accused the members IPOB of engaging in kidnapping and extrajudicial killings.

IPOB is being led by the Director of guerilla Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who is being prosecuted by the Federal Government for alleged treasonable felony.

The secret service further accused IPOB members of the kidnapping and killing of five Hausa-Fulani men whose remains it said were buried in the same forest.

But the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra, another pro-Biafra group which rose in defence of IPOB, dismissed the allegations by the DSS as lacking merit and evidence.

A statement issued by DSS spokesperson, Mr. Tony Opuiyo, in Abuja on Saturday read, “Service has uncovered the heinous role played by members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra in the abduction/kidnap of five Hausa-Fulani residents, namely Mohammed Gainako, Ibrahim Mohammed, Idris Yakubu, and Isa Mohammed Rago at Isuikwuato LGA in Abia State.

“The abducted men were later discovered at the Umuanyi Forest, Abia State, where they were suspected to have been killed by their abductors and buried in shallow graves, amidst 50 other shallow graves of unidentified persons.

“Arrests and investigation conducted so far revealed that elements within the IPOB carried out this dastardly action.”

With this action, Opuiyo said it was pertinent to alert the general public that IPOB was gradually showing its true divisive colour and objectives, while steadily embarking on gruesome actions in a bid to ignite ethnic terrorism and mistrust amongst non-indigenes in the South-East region and other parts of the country.

Following this act, the DSS alerted that tension was currently rife among communal stakeholders in the state, with possibilities of spillover to other parts of country.

The agency warned that it would not hesitate to act decisively within its statutory mandate to ensure that the sponsors and perpetrators of “this action are apprehended and prosecuted for their crime.”

Efforts made by SUNDAY PUNCH to get IPOB to react to the allegation by DSS proved abortive, as the telephone line of the Director of Information of the group, Emma Powerful, which indicated that it was busy as of 8pm, indicated that it was switched off by 8:08pm.

When his alternative line was also called, it was switched off too.

However, the new leader of MASSOB, Uchenna Madu, in his response via a text message to one of our correspondents, stated that MASSOB and IPOB would remain undeterred on their agitation.

He said, “DSS allegation against pro-Biafra agitators lacks merit and evidence because MASSOB and IPOB are non- violent organisations. This is the highest frustration exhibited by Nigerian security agents against pro-Biafra agitators; they want to blackmail us as violent or terrorist group in order to get evidence against Nnamdi Kanu.

“MASSOB and IPOB can never be deterred or get jittery because of frivolous and baseless allegations by frustrated DSS. Why have they not raised eyebrow on several killings and destruction of properties by Fulani herdsmen?

“We advise Igbo governors to immediately summon a meeting of stakeholders on the menace of Fulani fundamentalists.”

A senior operative of the service, who was involved in the operation that led to the discovery of the graves and the forest, told SUNDAY PUNCH on Saturday evening that the forest had become a no-go area for unauthorised people.

The security agent said, “The forest has become a security zone. We have taken over the place. It is an offence to see people who have no business in the area for now.”

The source said the operation was carefully planned and executed by the security outfit.

“A Good Samaritan blew the lid on the killings that happened there and how people were hurriedly buried in the forest,” the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, added.

On how the identity of those buried in the graves would be known, the agent said the service might conduct an autopsy or find alternative ways to identify the corpses.

“I’m sure we would find a way of doing that (identification of corpses). If it requires that (autopsy) may be we would do it,” the operative said.

The source however refused to give the number of arrests that had been made, saying operation and investigation were ongoing.

Meanwhile, the Abia State Government on Saturday denied knowledge of shallow graves in any forest in the state.

The Chief Press Secretary to the Abia State Governor, Mr. Godwin Adindu, told SUNDAY PUNCH that the government would investigate the alleged discovery.

He said, “We don’t have such a report; there is no such report here. The DSS has not given us the report. We don’t have such information. Even within the populace here, nobody has raised such alarm.”

 

 

DSS accuses Biafra activists of killing burying 55 unidentified persons

Dasuki’s bid to stop trial suffers set-back

The federal high court, Abuja, has adjourned ruling indefinitely on the application of Sambo Dasuki, former national security adviser (NSA), to stop his trial.

Although the case was listed on the cause list of the court on Monday,  Adeniyi Ademola, the judge, did not appear.

The court clerk told TheCable that the case had been adjourned and that a new date would be communicated to the parties.

At the hearing of the application on March 3, Dasuki had said that investors’ confidence in the country was shaken because of the federal government’s refusal to obey court orders.

The former NSA, who was speaking through his counsel, Joseph Daudu (SAN), before Justice Ademola, had urged the court to halt his trial until the government complied with its order granting him bail.

“How will the government look like at the end of the day? Will investors be confident in this country when court make orders, but they are not obeyed?” he had said.

In November, 2015, Justice Ademola granted Dasuki bail, but he was rearrested immediately after his release from Kuje prison by the Department of State Services (DSS).

On February 16, Dipo Okpeseyi (SAN), counsel to the DSS, had announced to the court  that the prosecution was ready for trial to commence.

But Daudu said that the defence counsel was not ready to proceed with the trial because the federal government was still keeping the accused person in detention despite an order of the court granting him bail.

“We cannot be ready for trial until the defendant enjoys his constitutional rights,” he had said.

“We apply that we should be given time to prepare the defence. The conduct of the prosecution has not enabled him to enjoy his constitutional rights.

“The worst is that for about seven weeks we do not know where he is.

“Any of us here who proceed to defend an accused person in this circumstance may lose his license of practice.”

However, Okpeseyi argued that the prosecution was not stopping Dasuki from enjoying his freedom.

He said that the accused person was not being held for the charges before the court, but on separate charges.

He therefore asked the court to reject the request for adjournment and to commence trial.

The court, however, fixed April 4, for ruling on the application.

Dasuki is facing a four-count charge of money laundering and illegal possession of firearms brought against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

He is also facing multiple counts of laundering money at the federal capital territory (FCT) high court, Abuja.

Two judges of the FCT high court had dismissed his application to stop his trial.

Dasuki’s bid to stop trial suffers set-back

DSS invasion of Ekiti House of Assembly: Lawmakers demand apology, threaten lawsuit

Members of Ekiti State House of Assembly have demanded an unreserved apology from the Department of State Services (DSS) over the March 4, 2016 invasion of the House of Assembly and unlawful detention of a member of the House, representing Efon Constituency, Hon Afolabi Akanni for 18 days, threatening to seek redress and damages in court

DSS operatives

The lawmakers, who described the act of impunity by the DSS under President Mohammadu Buhari as undemocratic, unpatriotic, dictatorial and brutish, also demanded a thorough medical examination of Hon.

Akanni, saying; “we fear that his health and general well-being could have been compromised while in the DSS custody.”

Addressing the press today, Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Hon. Gboyega Aribisogan, who was flanked by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kola Oluwawole, Deputy Speaker; Hon Segun Adewumi and 16 others, said the DSS must explain to Nigerians whether in a democracy, it was part of the its mandate to disobey court orders and dump

Nigerians in detention for 18 days on unfounded allegations.

The statement read in full; “Yesterday, we read online like other Nigerians that our member, representing Efon Constituency, Hon Afolabi Akanni who has been in the Department of State Services (DSS) detention in Abuja since March 4 was on admission at a private hospital in Abuja.

“Up till this moment, we have not been told officially by the DSS whether or not Hon Akanni was formally released from incarceration after spending 18 days without access to his doctors, lawyers and family members.

“However, preliminary information available to us suggests that Hon Akanni may have been brought to the hospital by men of the DSS and abandoned there because they could no longer hold him in captivity because of his deteriorating health condition.

“Nigerians should be reminded that it took the rumour of Hon Akanni’s death for the DSS to admit officially that it was holding him after spending 15 days in detention without access to anyone.

“As we speak, Hon Akanni is in very critical condition and he has not been able to speak with anyone of us.

“As reported in the media, Hon Akanni could only say that he was sick, he was not well when press men sought to speak with him yesterday.

“We therefore demand an official explanation from the DSS as to why Hon. Akanni was abducted and held incommunicado for 18 days, only for us to be told that he was admitted at a private hospital in Abuja.

“We also demand a thorough medical examination of Hon. Akanni as we fear that his health and general well-being could have been compromised while in the DSS custody.

“Furthermore, we demand an explanation from the DSS whether in a democracy, it is part of the its mandate to disobey court orders and dump Nigerians in detention for 18 DAYS on unfounded allegations.

“Most importantly, we condemn strongly the DSS illegal arrest, detention and dehumanisation of Hon Akanni and we demand an unreserved apology forthwith.

“We have also directed our counsel to seek redress and damages in court because to us, this act of impunity by the DSS under President Mohammadu Buhari is undemocratic, unpatriotic, dictatorial and brutish.

“Detaining Nigerians for weeks without trial is a clear return of Decree 2, with which President Buhari hounded Nigerians in detention when he was a military dictator and we in the Ekiti State House of Assembly will continue to support our leader and Governor, Peter Ayodele Fayose in his fight against tyranny.

“We wish to also alert the public that men of the DSS have been visiting schools attended by some of our members, in search of their academic records.

“Though we are not afraid of anyone or agency of government investigating the academic background of our members, it is important that the DSS face its core mandate of gathering intelligence for the security of Nigeria and its people.

“We wish to advise the DSS to pay more attention to the growing insecurity in the country, instead of acting as an arm of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to pursue the evil agenda of destabilising the Fayose-led government.

“Lastly, we wish to reiterate our commitment to the development of Ekiti State, which is being championed committedly by Governor Ayodele Fayose and we state that no amount of intimidation and harassment will

make us join the enemies of Ekiti, whose only interest is to grab power for their personal gains.”

DSS invasion of Ekiti House of Assembly: Lawmakers demand apology, threaten lawsuit

Wike’s chief of staff held over attack on APC chiefs

The governorship candidate of the Rivers State All Progressives Congress (APC) in the April 11, last year election, Dr. Dakuku Adol Peterside, and some leaders of the party yesterday came under attack in Port Harcourt, the state capital.

Hon. Dakuku Peterside

Peterside, the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), was riding in a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) with his former deputy, Asita Honourable and APC Chairman  Daview Ikanya when they came under fire

Peterside’s Special Assistant (Media) Sylvester Asoya, in a statement last night, said his boss and other APC leaders escaped assassins’ bullets by a stroke of luck.

Governor Nyesom Wike’s Chief of Staff Emeka Woke was arrested over the attack. But Wike said Woke’s driver was killed.

Peterside said his vehicle was attacked by gunmen in two SUVs as they approached the city from the Port Harcourt International Airport. His orderly Emma Esi was said to have been hit in the leg.

Peterside said: “Two jeeps belonging to Emeka Woke, Nyesom Wike’s Chief of Staff, carrying two unknown gunmen, trailed us to UTC Junction (near Government House, Port Harcourt) and opened fire on my car. Our car, however, did a detour to the DSS (Department of State Services) office gate, where we drove to seek refuge, but the unknown gunmen opened fire again at the DSS men on guard.

“The exchange of fire between the DSS men and the assailants lasted for more than 30 minutes. This is a very ugly experience, but I thank God that my colleagues and I escaped unhurt.”

“Today’s (yesterday’s) experience is not only terrifying, but also shows the parlous state of security in Rivers State. If I can be engaged openly by gunmen for nearly an hour in the heart of Port Harcourt, only God knows the fate that will befall members of our party and those sympathetic to our predicament. What is happening today in our dear state is not only horrible, but also constitutes serious national security risk.”

The NIMASA boss, who was Wike’s opponent in last year’s governorship election, also stated that it was now evident that the governor wanted to kill him and that he (Wike) was prepared to do everything possible to eliminate him.

Woke was last night arrested ostensibly to explain his role in the  alleged attempt to shoot at Peterside’s convoy, in front of the office of the DSS on Forces Avenue, Old GRA, Port Harcourt.

Peterside’s driver had driven into the DSS’s office but Woke and the two gunmen with him were not deterred.

The armed men allegedly continued to shoot at the DSS men.

Governor Wike   accused Peterside and Asita of hijacking results  from Isiokpo in Ikwere Local government yesterday.

The governor added that Peterside and his security  detail opened fire and  killed the driver to  his Chief of Staff, Mr Emeka  Woke.

Speaking to reporters at the Government House, he said: “Remember I warned that today’ s  Nigeria  is not yesterday’s  Nigeria. Things that were done wrongly before cannot be done wrongly now. I warned that the people will resist any attempt to rig.

“Now they have the Federal might, army, police, INEC and DSS, but we have the people.”

Wike condemned what he called the desperation of some politicians to win the Assembly elections at all cost.

Wike said: “The driver to my chief of staff has been shot to death this evening, including others who were killed on election day. I am surprised to see the kind of desperation displayed by some politicians in this rerun election.

”I saw the military acting as if Rivers State is at war. I saw those working with me being harassed and arrested. My SSG, Commissioner for Environment Prof. Roseline Konya and some PDP members were arrested and manhandled.”

Wike’s chief of staff held over attack on APC chiefs

APC’s Dakuku Peterside escapes assassination attempt, aide says

Dakuku Peterside, the Director-General, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) narrowly escaped death Saturday afternoon after his vehicle was attacked by gunmen in two utility vehicles on his way from the Port Harcourt International Airport, his spokesperson, Sylvester Asoya, has said.

Mr. Asoya said Mr. Peterside was in his car with Davies Ikanya, chairman of the Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress, and H.O. Asita, Deputy Governorship candidate of the APC in the April 2015 election when the incident occurred.

The officials said they escaped the assassins bullets by a stroke of luck.

Mr. Asoya said, “Two Jeeps belonging to Emeka Woke, Nyesom Wike’s Chief of Staff carrying two unknown gunmen trailed us to UTC Junction and opened fire on my car. Our car however did a detour to first Aba road then old GRA with the two jeeps still trailing us. We drove to the DSS office to seek refuge and on getting to the gate the unknown gunmen opened fire again at the SSS men on guard.

“The exchange of fire between the DSS men and the assailants lasted for more than 30 minutes. In course of exchange of fire my Police detail Cpl Emma Esi was shot at and seriously injured . This is a very ugly experience but I thank God that my colleagues and I escaped unhurt”.

“When the DSS men demobilized the two jeeps we found out that the man at the back of the car who was identifying us to the assailants is Wike’s Chief of staff , Emeka Woke . He has been arrested by the DSS .

“Today’s experience is not only terrifying but also shows the parlous state of security in Rivers State. If I can be engaged openly by gunmen for nearly an hour in the heart of Port Harcourt, only God knows the fate that will befall members of our party and those sympathetic to our predicament. What is happening today in our dear state is not only horrible but also constitutes serious national security risk.”

Mr. Asoya quoted Mr. Peterside, who was Wike’s opponent in last year’s governorship election in Rivers State, as saying it was now evident that the governor wanted to kill him and that he was prepared to do everything possible to eliminate him.

APC’s Dakuku Peterside escapes assassination attempt, aide says

DSS arrests gun fabricator for Boko Haram

The Department of State Services said on Saturday that it had arrested one Garba Abubakar, who it claimed was a gun fabricator for Boko Haram.

DSS operatives

It said that Abubakar was arrested in Jos, Plateau State, during a special tactical operation by the Service.

A statement issued by the department’s spokesman Tony Opuiyo, said that the arrest was in line with the Service’s statutory mandate, and avowed commitment to national security.

He described Abubakar, an engineer who was arrested on March 2, 2016, as “a major gun fabricator, arms-runner and a covert linkman/courier for the Boko Haram group.”

Opuiyo claimed that during the arrest, two pistols, 80 rounds of live ammunition and several sensitive documents were recovered from him.

He added that in a bid to employ propaganda to manipulate the international community against the efforts of the Federal Government, in the ongoing war against terror in the North-West region, the suspect had approached a foreign mission in Nigeria for logistics and financial support to fight the Boko Haram.

The statement said, “However, unknown to the mission, he is actually an unauthorized gun-maker/runner with intent for mischief and communal strife in the North-Central region.”

He added that in furtherance of exploited leads, the Service apprehended other suspected associates of the gun-runner.

Those listed were Umar Khalil Muhammed and Mohammed Yakubu Tahir, aka Mallam Yaro, who he said were also apprehended March 2.

Opuiyo said that Muhammed was arrested at Layin Oscar in Jos South LGA, while Tahir was apprehended up at Mista Ali area, along Jos-Zaria road in Bassa LGA.

Opuiyo said, “The duo are accomplices and active marketers of Abubakar and his products to criminal elements in the North-Central region of the Country.”

In strengthening its counter-terrorism strategy, he said that the Service also arrested one Armaya’u Yakubu a.k.a Ali Tekwando, Yakubu Sule and Usman Ibrahim on 3rd March, 2016, at Hayin Danmani area in Kaduna metropolis.

He alleged that the three men were members of an extremist cell under the coordination of Yakubu, with affiliation to the proscribed extremist group, ANSARU.

Opuiyo further alleged that the three suspects had been perfecting plans to travel to Sudan, for terrorist training with other radical elements of the group.

He reemphasize the resolve of the Service to sustain the fight against organized vices and criminalities by terrorists, kidnappers, fraudsters and other deviant elements in the country.

Opuiyo urged law abiding Nigerians and indeed, all residents to continue to support law enforcement/security agencies, with proactive and actionable intelligence, for the sustenance of peace, law and order.

DSS arrests gun fabricator for Boko Haram

DSS foils plan to steal N4.5bn from TSA

The Department of State Service has apprehended some serving and retired civil servants who it said were planning to steal N4.5bn from the Treasury Single Account.

DSS operatives

It said that the plan of the gang was was to hack the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System domiciled in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation and steal the money.

This information was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Tuesday by Mr. Tony Opuiyo.

He said this achievement recorded by the Service was what he described as “the modest success of the Service in its support to the Federal Government to achieve its desired economic objectives and stability may also be noted.”

To this effect, he added, “the DSS have arrested a group of fraudsters who had concluded plans to hack the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System domiciled in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation in order to steal N4.5b from the Treasury Single Account.”

He said that the gang was led by one Sunny Okoh, who he described as a hacker who worked in collaboration with the trio of Uwem Ekpo,  a Chief Program Analyst in the OAGF, Maxwell Ekene, a retired security operative and Dozie Egwu, who he alleged, was living in Malaysia but is at large.

Opuiyo said that the suspected fraudsters intended to use a software they had sourced and codes released to them by Ekpo to hack government accounts in the Central Bank of Nigeria and defraud the government of the huge sum.

He said if the action had succeeded, it would have created credibility problem for the government and the policy.

The statement said, “It is instructive to note that a credibility problem would have arisen over the TSA policy if these hackers had succeeded in their plan and thus lend credence to the critics of the policy that it ought not to have been introduced and implemented.”

He added that the suspects had been handed over to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission for further investigations and prosecution.

DSS foils plan to steal N4.5bn from TSA

DSS Arrests ISIS Recruiter and Other Terrorists in Kano

… Planned Terrorists Attacks in States Aborted

In line with the Service statutory mandate  to decisively and continually provide actionable intelligence as well as act to degrade persons and groups that threaten  internal security in the Country, the Service initiated series of tactical operations, involving raids and enforcement actions against identified criminal and extremist kingpins and syndicates across the country.

DSS operatives

These recent operations have significantly degraded the key extremist groups and kidnapping gangs, terrorizing innocent citizens in the Country, particularly in the South-West, North-West and Middle-Belt regions of the Federation.

On 17th January, 2016, one Abdussalam Enesi YUNUSA, a recruiter for the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) was arrested in Kano. His arrest was sequel to available intelligence which indicated his terrorist antecedents and covert drive to indoctrinate and recruit susceptible youths in the country.

Prior to his arrest, YUNUSA had completed arrangements to embark on a journey to join an ISIS terrorist training camp in Libya, with other Nigerians whom he recruited for the ‘Islamic State’. These recruits include the trio of one Muhammed RABI’U, Yahaya Momoh JIMOH and Zainab SUNDAY (f). YUNUSA is a 400 level undergraduate student of the Federal University of Technology, Minna, Niger State, where he was studying for a degree in Information and Media Technology.

 

He was subsequently radicalized and became a member of an extremist cell, comprising of one IBRAHIM (fnu) and Abubakar LIGALI, whom he revealed are currently undergoing terrorist training in Libya. He listed one AMINU (fnu) and Ibrahim JIHADI (Nigeriene), as other ISIS agents operating in Nigeria and the West African sub-region. The cell was being funded by one Abu-sa’ad Al Sudani, a media expert with the extremist group using Western Union money transfers to fund the terrorist cell agenda.

On 17th January, 2016, in Daura township of Daura LGA, Katsina State, another budding extremist cell affiliated to ISIS, was intercepted by the Service. One Ibrahim Mohammed DAURA, Zaharadeen SALISU and five other elements of the proscribed extremist group, Ansaru, were arrested by the Service. This group was discovered in an active stage, as its members were already co-ordinating themselves for attacks in Katsina and Kano States.

In the same vein, on 22nd January, 2016, one Obansa SALAMI, Ejide TIJANI aka Abu Uwaise II, Mohammed RABIU aka Ubida II, Zainab MOHAMMED and Abdulqadir Salisu AHMAD were arrested in Kano by this Service, while  migrating to Libya, with their immediate families including infants, in a bid to join ISIS. This group was apprehended after painstaking monitoring of its network and plans.

On 29th January, 2016, the Service arrested Mohammed Aliyu NDAKO in Kwara State. NDAKO is a seventeen (17) year old undergraduate student of a tertiary institution in the State. He was arrested sequel to credible intelligence on his plans with one Abdulkadir Salisu AHMAD a.k.a Daddy Tall, another student in Kano State, to carry out coordinated lone-wolf attacks on selected populated targets in Nigeria preferably worship centres or recreation venues. Suspect had hitherto been communicating with foreign extremist elements, while sourcing online terrorist training and support.

Within the window of these tactical operations, between the month of December 2015 and February 2016, the Service,  busted the  network of syndicated kidnap gangs spanning different regions in the country, especially Kebbi, Zamfara, Niger, Nasarawa, FCT, Oyo and Osun States. Foremost in this line, was the arrest of a gang of five (5) kidnappers, Abubakar HASSAN, Usman MUSA, Usman ADAMU and Idrisa Babangida AHMADU at Ife junction, Osun State, on 3rd  February, 2016.

On 5th February, 2016, the fifth member of the gang, Saidu ISYAKU was arrested at Ojo area, Oyo State. These kidnappers, Six (6) AK 47 rifles, five (5) magazines and about one thousand rounds of ammunition were recovered. This gang has been active in the South West axis of the country and were at advanced stages of kidnapping high value targets for huge ransom, before they were intercepted.

Another breakthrough in the fight against kidnapping was the killing of Abubakar MOHAMMED (aka BUBA), and an unidentified member of his group, on 8th February, 2016 close to Jebba Medical Centre, Jebba, Kwara State by security operatives as they tried to escape during a shootout with security operatives. MOHAMMED was a notorious kidnap kingpin known for his brutality and various acts of lawlessness. It is disheartening that this criminal and his men had terrorized, to no end, residents of the South West zone.  He was also linked to the kidnap of the elder statesman, Chief Olu Falae, in Ondo State.

In the wake of deliberate  vandalism of oil pipelines  by criminal elements in the South-South region, the Service arrested one Nengi Samuel IKIBA aka Kockman Abula, a notorious pipeline vandal on 27th January, 2016, in Bayelsa State. IKIBA confessed to vandalizing several pipelines in the State, including the 24” Agoda/Brass Oil pipeline at Idema community in Ogbia LGA of Bayelsa State.

The modest success of the Service in its support to the Federal Government to achieve its desired economic objectives and stability may also be noted. To this effect, the DSS have arrested a group of fraudsters who had concluded plans to hack the Government Integrated Financial Management Information System (GIFMIS) domiciled in the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation in order to steal Four Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira (N4.5b) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The gang was led by one Sunny OKOH, a hacker who  worked in collaboration with the trio of Uwem Udo EKPO, a Chief Program Analyst in the OAGF, Maxwell EKENE, a retired security operative and Dozie EGWU, based in Malaysia and who is now at large. The suspected fraudsters intended to use a software they had sourced and codes released to them by EKPO to hack Government accounts in the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and defraud the Government of this huge sum.

It is instructive to note that a credibility problem would have arisen over the TSA policy if these hackers had succeeded in their plan and thus lend credence to the critics of the policy that it ought not to have been introduced and implemented. For the avoidance of doubt, the suspects have been handed over to the EFCC for further investigations and prosecution.

It is pertinent to state that these successes were recorded as a result of proactive and credible intelligence offered by members of the public, sister security agencies and other stakeholders. This Service wish to state that it will continue to deploy every means necessary within its statutory mandate, and armbit of the law to ensure the security and safety of all law-abiding residents and citizens wherever they reside.

It is also germane to urge all and sundry to be extra-vigilant, as well as report any suspicious persons/groups or activities to relevant security agencies, for the sustenance of relative peace in the country

 

DSS Arrests ISIS Recruiter and Other Terrorists in Kano

VIDEO: Nigeria’s Interior minister, Dambazau, converts SSS officer to “shoe shiner”

By Mohammed Lere, Premium Times

Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, has been caught on tape using an officer of Nigeria’s secret police, the State Security Service, to clean his shoes in public.

A video sent to PREMIUM TIMES by one of its readers showed the minister, dressed in white gown, relaxing on a couch with his legs stretched out.

The SSS officer appeared from the sides, with a handkerchief in his right hand and a holstered service pistol protruding from his jacket.

He was shown stooping before the minister, using his left hand to lift Mr. Dambazau’s right leg, slightly above the floor to clean his loafers.

The minister bent his head to notice him, before looking away to focus on the event unfolding in a distance.

The minister was at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps Academy in an Abuja suburb for an event in December.

He was seated between what seemed to be top officers of the NSCDC who merely took short glances at the SSS officer stooping before them.

Soon, the right leg shoe was glistering again and he steadily dropped it back to a dusty floor.

The minister adjusted himself in his couch and gently raised the left foot, appearing detached, while the SSS officer took it in his palms again and wiped off the dust.

Top Nigerian officials are known for misusing or abusing security details posted to them.

Apparently irritated by the way security officials are treated by the VIPs to which they are attached, the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, in May last year, warned police officers against running errands or doing domestic chores for their principals.

“Those of you who are posted to VIPs, on no account should you carry their bags and on no account should you act as domestic servants to them,” Mr. Arase told police inspectors and other rank and file on May 21, 2015, shortly after he was appointed Inspector General

“You are police officers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and they must respect you as such. Your uniform must be respected, anybody who wants to hire a domestic help should not use our policemen who are sent to protect them as domestic help.

“I have directed the commissioner of police in charge of the airports that if they find any of you carrying boxes (of VIPs) and rifles, and dragging them all over the place, they should arrest you and you will be punished.’’

It is not clear whether the SSS gave a similar instruction to its personnel.

VIDEO: Nigeria’s Interior minister, Dambazau, converts SSS officer to “shoe shiner”

DSS releases Faleke, Audu’s son

Lokoja – A Kogi State Dep. Governor-elect, Mr James Faleke has been released by the operatives of the Directorate of the State Security Service (DSS).

Mr Duro Meseko, the Director of Media and Publicity of Audu/Faleke Campaign Organisation said on Saturday evening that Faleke and Alhaji Mohammed Audu were released at about 5 p.m.

He said that the duo had reported to the headquarters of the DSS in Abuja on invitation at about 10 a.m. only to be taken into custody without any cogent reason till 5p.m. when they were released.

Meseko urged members of All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of the politicians to remain calm and not to resort to any action that could jeopardise the existing peace in the state.

He also assured that Faleke would continue to abide by the rule of law to reclaim the mandate freely given him and the late Prince Abubakar Audu on Nov. 21, 2015.

Both Faleke and Mohammed Audu, the first son of Prince Abubakar Audu, were detained for reasons yet to be stated by the DSS.

DSS releases Faleke, Audu’s son

El-Zakzaky not in our custody, says Kaduna Prisons

Godwin Isenyo, Kaduna

The authorities of the Kaduna Prisons on Wednesday distanced itself from purported claim that the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, otherwise known as Shi’ite, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, was in the prison.

Picture of bleeding sheikh Zakzaky. Source: @ZahradeenAAhmad

While dismissing the claim, the Controller of Kaduna Prisons, Abubakar Argungu, however, said 191 members of the IMN were in the custody of the prison.

“We only have 191 followers of the Shi’ite leader in our custody. But we do not have their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, with us,” Argungu said.

Meanwhile, the Kaduna State Government said on Wednesday that it would soon announce members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the recent clash in Zaria between the Nigerian Army and Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky-led Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

In a statement issued by Governor Nasir el-Rufai’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, the government said it had completed the composition and terms of reference of the proposed commission.

It added that effort was being made to contact all the nominees for the membership of the commission as well as the secretariat and resource persons.

The statement partly read, “The Kaduna State Government has largely completed work on the composition and the terms of reference of the proposed Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

“However, the government is still engaged in extensive consultations that are required prior to a formal announcement.

“Efforts are also being made to contact all the nominees for membership of the commission, as well as the secretariat and resource persons that will support the work of this important inquiry.

“These consultations and contacts have been impacted by the holidays. Therefore, the Kaduna State Government will be delaying the announcement of the membership of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry until early in the New Year.

“Best efforts have been applied to ensure that the announcement is made within the two-week window envisaged when the decision to establish the commission of inquiry was made. But it has now emerged that a little more time is required.”

El-Zakzaky not in our custody, says Kaduna Prisons

DSS re-arrest Dasuki at prison gate after meeting bail conditions

Olusola Fabiyi and Ade Adesomoju,  Abuja

Operatives of the Department of the State Security Service have re-arrested a former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (retd).

Former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki

He was re-arrested at the gate of the Kuje Prison, Abuja, while he was about leaving the prison after meeting the bail conditions set for him by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.

The DSS took custody of  Dasuki shortly after perfecting the third bail granted him by Justice Peter Affem after two other courts had done same.

Counsel for Dasuki , Mr Ahmed Raji (SAN), told one of our corespondents on the telephone that the former NSA had met all the bail conditions given by Justice Affem but regretted that the court order was not obeyed by the operatives of the DSS.

He said, “That’s correct, he was re-arrested by the operatives of the DSS and whisked away to an unknown destination.

“He met the bail conditions set for him by the judge, but as he was stepping outside the prison, he was arrested.”

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court also in Abuja had granted the ex-NSA bail on November 3 in the charges of unlawful possession of firearms, but the bail was on November 4 scuttled by the DSS who laid siege to his Asokoro Residence and placed him under house arrest.

The claim of the security agents was that Dasuki was being investigated on another matter.

He was later arraigned before justice Yusuf Baba of the Abuja High court on breach of trust an was granted bail but which was also refused to be obeyed by the security operatives.

Dasuki was also moved to another high court of Justice Affem who also admitted him on bail on the grounds that the offence was a bailable one.

Raji who perfected the bail condition of his client disclosed that the actions of the security agents was an affront to the rule of law under democracy.

The lawyer appealed to the authorities of the security agents and the federal government to respect court order and allow Dasuki to enjoy the bail granted him by the court.

Dasuki is facing two sets of criminal charges involving alleged diversion of about N45bn meant for arms procurement along with others before two judges of the FCT High Court, Abuja.

DSS re-arrest Dasuki at prison gate after meeting bail conditions

FG files six new charges of treason against Nnamdi Kanu

Delta Pro Biafra declares support for Uwazuruike led BIM

Corruption propels Nigerian politicians to pretend loving Nigeria —Uwazuruike

Rights group condemns police roadblocks, extortion in S’East

By Festus Ahon, Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Nwabueze Okonkwo & Francis Igata

The Federal Government has filled a fresh six-count charge of treason and managing the affairs of ‘an unlawful society,’ against the embattled leader of  Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

Kanu was charged before the Federal High Court, Abuja alongside two others, Benjamin Madubugwu and David Nwawuisi.

MASSOB, IPOB accuse Obiano

Meanwhile, Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra, MASSOB, and  Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, which were the arrow-heads of the agitation for the release of their detained leader and Director, Radio Biafra, Nnamadi Kanu, have accused Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State of alleged collusion with security operatives to kill, maim its members, who were last week, jubilating over the bail granted their leader by a Federal High Court, Abuja.

Also, pro-Biafra agitators in Delta State, yesterday, declared support for the leader of the Biafra Independence Movement, BIM, Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, describing him as a non violent messiah.

In the fresh charge, the trio were accused of committing treasonable felony, an offence punishable under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Meanwhile, when the matter came up before Justice Mohammed, yesterday, neither the prosecuting counsel nor the accused persons  were present in court.

However,  Mr. Ifeanyi Ejiofor announced appearance for the defendants, even as he queried the seriousness of the Federal Government to prosecute the matter.

Ejiofor insisted that the fresh charge was nothing but a ploy by the government to ensure the continued detention of the accused persons, especially Kanu, who was earlier granted bail by the same high court.

Nevertheless, Justice Mohammed, explained that though the matter was slated in the court’s cause-list for mention, yesterday, he said it was obvious that the prosecution was not notified.

Nanmdi Kanu, Radio Biafra’s Director

The judge therefore, adjourned the case, saying a date for the arraignment of the accused persons would be communicated to all the parties.

Meanwhile, there was heavy police presence  around the court premises yesterday.

Fresh charge

In the fresh charge, FG, alleged that the three accused persons were the ones managing the affairs of “an unlawful society,” the IPOB.

The charge read, “That you, Nnamdi Kanu and other unknown persons, now at large, in London, United Kingdom, between 2014 and September, 2015, with intention to levy war against Nigeria in order to force the President to change his measures of being the President of the Federation, Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federation as defined in Section 3 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) by doing an act to wit: Broadcast on Radio Biafra your preparations for the states in the South- East geo-political zone, South-South geo-political zone, the Igala Community of Kogi State and the Idoma/Igede Community of Benue State to secede from the Federal Republic of Nigeria and form themselves into a Republic of Biafra, and thereby committed an offence punish- able under Section 41(C) of the Criminal Code Act, CAP C38 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.”

It will be recalled that Justice Ademola Adeniyi of the same high court had on December 17, ordered the “unconditional” release of the IPOB leader, Kanu, from the custody of the Department of State Service, DSS.

Kanu who is also the Director of Radio Biafra and Television,   was on October 17, arrested in Lagos by security operatives, shortly after he arrived Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom.

Pro-Biafra agitators in Delta State in a communique, meanwhile, at the end of the enlarged meeting of BIM, in Asaba, the state capital,  who are from lgbo speaking axis, condemned violent approach to the agitation.

The communiqué by the zonal Leader of the group, Chinedu Amaifeobu, said Uwazuruike’s led BIM shines out among the numerous groups currently processing the crusade for the autonomous state of Biafra.

They frowned at all accusation levelled against Uwazuruike, saying he was the authentic freedom fighter for the agitation.

Also, MASSOB, and IPOB in statement in Enugu yesterday, by MASSOB leader, Uchenna Madu said, “We hold Governor Obiano responsible for the killings, arrest, torture, maiming and wounding of non violent, peaceful IPOB,MASSOB members in Ontisha jubilating over the news of Nnamdi Kanu’s court release order.

“Anambra State in Nigeria where members of MASSOB, IPOB demonstrated, protested or jubiliated because of Nnamdi is not the only state in Nigeria. We have not recorded any killings, harassment, massive arrest, clampdown, shootings, torture and unguided statement but only in Anambra State.

“During Obiano’s condolence visit to Hausa residents in Onitsha over the touching of Mosque by sponsored hoodlums, Obiano sympathized with them without mentioning or commiserating with non violence Biafran agitators killed, arrested and tortured by security agents. He tactically supported them to clampdown and disperse non violence MASSOB,IPOB members.

“This executive order prompted and motivated the Army to kill, maim, arrest our members in Ontisha, including those killed on the day of jubilation.”

Meanwhile, leader of BIM, Uwazuruike, yesterday, attributed corruption as a major factor propelling  politicians to pretend that all was well in Nigeria, even when the country was in a state of despair.

He decried the level of corruption in high places in government in the country and regretted that Nigeria was the only country in the world where leadership offered political leaders the best opportunity to steal public funds and go scot-free.

Corruption propels Nigerians

In his goodwill message during the end of 2015 BIM security meeting at Mgbago, Umueri in Anambra East Local Government Area of Anambra State,  Uwazuruike stated that some politicians were ready to die for one Nigeria only because of the opportunity the country offers them for horrendous stealing, not because Nigeria holds any bright future for their children and children’s children.

Uwazuruike whose message was delivered by BIM’s Deputy National Director for Information, Chris Mocha, expressed concern that Nigeria would continue to have problems because of persistent failure of her leaders to tell masses the truth, stressing that nobody sees himself as a Nigerian.

According to the Biafran leader, “Nigerians see themselves as Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Kataf, Tivs, Ijaws, among others, and that is why the Yoruba sentiment will always protect their own sons who looted Nigerian treasury, that is also why the Arewa sentiment will do the same for any Hausa/Fulani leader who stashed away public money and that is why the Igbo sentiment viewed a call to probe any of their own kinsmen who stole Nigerian money as a witch-hunt.”

He lashed at the leaders for pretending that all was well with Nigeria when indeed the country was burning and emphasized that in Biafra land there will be no room for corruption.

 Rights group condemns police road blocks, extortion

Meanwhile, a civil society group, International Society for Civil Liberties and the Rule of Law, Intersociety, yesterday raised alarm over what it identified as re-emergence of police roadblocks and high level of extortion from motorists in the South East geo-political zone of the country, accusing the extortionists of using pro-Biafran peaceful protests as a cover.

Intersociety said the return of police roadblock extortion points in June 2015 in Nigeria, as ordered by Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase, particularly in the Southeast zone, which reached its peak in October 2015, had further made mockery of the doubtful anti-corruption policy of the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

In a  statement, yesterday in Onitsha, Anambra State, the group said findings from its recent zonal investigation in the South East, factually disclosed that there were at least 750 police roadblock/ extortion points mounted and maintained by IG led police on federal, state and intercity roads in the zone.

“Of the minimum of  750 police roadblocks/extortion points currently stationed on Southeast soads; there are 200 in Anambra State, followed by Abia State with 200, Imo State with 150 and Enugu and Ebonyi States with 100 each. Of these five states, Anambra and Abia are most illicitly lucrative; owing to their commercial environmental nature. They are followed by Imo,  owing to its strategic link between the two states. Enugu and Ebonyi States are lesser owing to their white-collar or civil service environmental nature.”

The statement by  its Chairman, Emeka Umeagbalasi, said “Most of the police roadblock/extortion proceeds from Enugu and Ebonyi States come from highway and inter state road users, particularly users of Enugu-Port Harcourt, Enugu-Onitsha, Enugu-Nsukka-Oturkpa, Enugu-Abakiliki, Abakiliki-Okigwe and Abakiliki-Ogoja Roads as well as inter-State Roads within the two states.”

FG files six new charges of treason against Nnamdi Kanu

Kanu detained in the interest of peace FG tells court

MASSOB, IPOB resolve to halt demonstrations

.. task FG on commitment to dialogue

SSS ‘uncovers Boko Haram cells in Abuja’

The State Security Service has alerted of the presence of Boko Haram terrorists in the Federal Capital Territory, who, it said, are creating sleeper cells to carry out surveillance and later, attacks on the city.

DSS operatives

The Service, in a statement signed by one Tony Opuiyo on Saturday, said the development came to light following the arrests of some of the sect’s members who migrated from various conflict theaters in the North East to the FCT in order to enable them capitalize on the excitement of the yuletide season to launch attacks on the city.

“For instance, on October 29th, 2015, the duo of Muhammed Hassan Idris (a Nigerien) and Baba Abdul Maina were arrested at Panteka area of Apo, Abuja. This was followed by the arrest of Sanni Mohammed (aka Kakase) and Ahmed Umaru (aka Mallam; Mallam Hamdi Garne; Ahmed Daubi) in Lafia, Nasarawa State. Sanni, who hails from Potiskum, Yobe State, fled the area following his involvement in coordinated suicide attacks in Yobe, Plateau, Kano and Kaduna States.

“In a related development, on 19th November 2015, Mohammed Shiwar ABUBAKAR and Musa TA’ADA were arrested at Shoprite Junction, Apo, Abuja. ABUBAKAR hails from Borno State and operates as a taxi driver in Abuja. He is of an unknown address but claims that he sleeps in his Volkswagen Golf car at the Honda line, Apo mechanic village, Abuja. The Gwoza-born TA’ADA also operates under the cover of a suya seller at Apo Primary School along Kabusa Road, Abuja.

“Still, on 23rd November, 2015, one Ahmed HASSAN was arrested while carrying out surveillance on a high-profile hotel in the city. He hails from Katagum, Bauchi State. Suspect admitted using the cover of a beggar to sustain surveillance on his targets. Bulama Ali, had previously been arrested in Karu, Nasarawa State, on 22nd November, 2015,” the statement said.

The agency also said it arrested the duo of Hassan Abubakar and Mohammed Gwale at Madalla, in Suleja local government area of Niger State on December 1, following intelligence that they were planning to commence attacks in the FCT after a successful surveillance of the city.

It said before his arrest, Mr. Abubakar was working with other sect members in different parts of the country notably Borno, Yobe, Taraba and Adamawa States.

The statement said Mr. Abubakar was arrested at the home of Mohammed Gwale who claims to be a Federal Civil Servant from Niger State.

“He (Gwale) has made useful statements which are helping with further investigation,” DSS said.

The service added that so far, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspects and others still at large appear to be engaging in businesses or trades as covers to infiltrate the city and its environs in their bid to conduct successful surveillance and map out soft targets for the sect’s attacks.

“The DSS’ operations are, therefore, aimed at preempting any attacks by the terrorist elements against the backdrop of the upcoming festive period and beyond,” the statement said.

“It is in this regard that the Service wishes to advise residents and all law-abiding Nigerians to remain vigilant especially at this yuletide season and promptly report to security agencies any suspicious movements and persons in the FCT and even other parts of the country.

“The Service also assures the general public that it will continue to carry out its responsibility of ensuring peace and security in Abuja and beyond?”

SSS ‘uncovers Boko Haram cells in Abuja’

Arms Deal: I"ve never met Dasuki, says George

A former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Deputy National Chairman Chief Olabode George, yesterday said he never met Col.Sambo Dasuki let alone take money from him.

A statement yesterday by Prof. Tejumade Akitoye – Rhodes, of Lagos Collectives on behalf of Chief George, said it was wrong to link him with collection of cash from the ex-NSA’s office.

“For the record, Chief Bode George did not collect a farthing from Dasuki or anybody else whatsoever. He has never even set eyes on the former NSA throughout his tenure in office talk less of collecting money from him. Dasuki of course is very much alive to corroborate this position,” the statement said.

Arms Deal: I"ve never met Dasuki, says George

Breaking: DSS arrests Dasuki again

After a prolonged siege to his Asokoro, Abuja residence, the operatives of Department of State Service  this morning arrested the former National Security Adviser, Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd.).

Dasuki was taken to the DSS headquarters at Aso Drive, Asokoro, Abuja where he is expected to answer questions on the multi-billion naira arms contract he awarded while in office.

Meanwhile, more DSS operatives have stormed the ex-NSA’s  residence apparently to carry out searches of the building for documents relating to the arms contracts.

Details later….

Breaking: DSS arrests Dasuki again

Court declines to summon Dasuki over alleged $2bn fraud

ABUJA — The Federal Government, yesterday, failed to persuade the Abuja Division of the Federal High Court to summon the former National Security Adviser, NSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki( retd), to appear before it.

Former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki

Dasuki is answering to a five-count criminal charge bordering on money laundering and alleged illegal  possession of firearms.

He had since pleaded not guilty to the charge, even as the court, in a ruling on November 3, permitted him to travel to the United Kingdom for medical treatment.

Dasuki, who told the court that he has cancer, was granted three-week medical leave by trial Justice Ademola Adeniyi. However,  a day after the order was made by the court, operatives of the Department of State Service, DSS, besieged Dasuki’s home and had since prevented him from travelling.

In a ruling yesterday, Justice Ademola Adeniyi dismissed an  application filed by the Federal Government with a view to securing an order that will compel the presence of Dasuki in court.

Arguing the application, the Director of the Public Prosecution, DPP, Mr. Mohammed Diri, insisted that it was wrong for Dasuki to stay away from the court when motions bordering on his criminal trial were being heard.

He noted that the former NSA was absent on three consecutive times the case against him came up before the high court.

The DPP maintained that  Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015 made it mandatory that an accused person must always be present in court whenever his case is called up.

However, Justice Adeniyi dismissed the application, yesterday as “frivolous, unwarranted and lacking in merit.”

He agreed with counsel to Dasuki, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, that the DPP misinterpreted the section of the ACJA upon which the application was anchored.

The judge held that going by the law, the presence of an accused person could be dispensed with in court during hearing on interlocutory applications.

He said the presence of Dasuki was not mandatory since the court is still  entertaining interlocutory applications from both parties.

The former NSA had filed an application before the judge to permit his absence in court for now, saying he has been under house arrest  since November 4.

In his fundamental right enforcement application, Dasuki, prayed the court for  an order directing the Federal Government and operatives of the DSS to vacate his house located at 13, John Kadija Street, Asokoro with immediate effect.

Sequel to the application, Justice Adeniyi summoned the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, SAN, to appear in court to explain why Dasuki was barred from traveling despite the permission of the court.

Meantime, Justice Adeniyi has slated December 3 to hear an application asking the court to revoke the bail it granted to Dasuki.

Court declines to summon Dasuki over alleged $2bn fraud

Transfer me to prison custody - Nnamdi Kanu begs court

…Protesters besiege court, demands his unconditional release

DSS secures fresh order to detain him for 90 days

More protests sweep Abuja, Onitsha, Aba as IPOB members ground vehicular movements

Hoist Kanu’s portraits, Biafra emblems in Aba

We are not in support of any violence – Anglican Church

By Ikechukwu Nnochiri, Dapo Akinrefon, Caleb Ayansina,  Okonkwo Nwabueze, Chimaobi Nwaiwu, Nnewi & Ugochukwu Alaribe

Nanmdi Kanu, Radio Biafra’s Director

Hundreds of agitators for the creation of Biafra Republic, yesterday, besieged an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Wuse Zone 2, demanding the unconditional release of the self-declared leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu.

The placard carrying protesters, who wore T-shirts and caps with inscriptions like “Biafra Now or Never”, “Buhari Release Kanu For Us”, “On Biafra We Stand”, yesterday, sang and danced outside the court premises, while hearing was going on in the criminal case that was entered  against Kanu by the federal government.

Meantime, following an order of the court, the Department of State Security, DSS, yesterday, produced the detained Director of Radio Biafra and Television, Kanu.

Chief Magistrate Shauibu Usman had at the last adjourned date, berated the DSS over its failure to produce Kanu in court on two consecutive times the matter came up  before the court.

Magistrate Usman said he was disappointed that the security agency refused to produce Kanu despite an express order of the court.

Consequently, he directed that the accused person must be brought before the court yesterday.

Meanwhile, at the resumed hearing on the matter yesterday, Kanu, who the government accused  of engaging in  criminal conspiracy, managing and belonging to an unlawful society, as well as indulging in criminal intimidation, contrary  to section 97 (a)&(b) and section 397 of the Penal Code, begged to be transferred to prison custody.

His lawyer, Mr.  Vincent Egechukwu Obeta, insisted that transferring his client to prison would enable him to have easy access  to his legal team.

Obeta made the application shortly after the DSS, yesterday, urged the Magistrate  Court to hands-off Kanu’s trial.

The DSS, through its lawyer, Mr Moses Idakwo, told the court that it has already secured an order of the Federal High Court in Abuja to further detain Kanu for another 90 days.

It said that the order which was granted by Justice Ademola Adeniyi, was to enable the government to conclude investigation into an allegation that Kanu was involved in terrorism financing.

Consequently, the DSS, yesterday, applied to withdraw the initial First Information Report, FIR, it lodged against Kanu before the Chief Magistrate Court.

The agency maintained that the government would file a fresh charge against Kanu before a higher court, once its ongoing investigation is concluded.

Idakwo therefore asked Magistrate Usman to  step down from the trial on the ground that his court lacks the power and jurisdiction to prosecute terrorism charges.

The application was vehemently opposed by Kanu’s lawyer Obeta, who  insisted that the bail earlier granted the accused person must firstly be complied with before any application for transfer of the case to a federal high court could be entertained.

After listening to both parties, Magistrate Usman adjourned the case till December 1 for ruling.

Kanu who was brought to  court yesterday under heavy security, was on October 17, picked up in Lagos by security operatives, shortly after he arrived Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom.

Biafran Protest over Kanu

He had On October 19,  pleaded not guilty to the FIR that was filed against him by the Nigerian government, and was subsequently granted him bail to the tune of N2million.

The court further directed the defendant to produce a civil servant of Grade Level 16, to stand as his surety.

However, following allegation that the DSS, refused to release the accused person after he had perfected the bail conditions, the Magistrate, in a ruling on October 23, ordered that he should be brought to court on November 18, an order that was not complied with.

Magistrate Usman insisted that no trial could  continue in a criminal case in the absence of the accused, saying the only condition that could make a court to excuse the absence of an accused had not arisen.

He therefore ordered the DSS to ensure the presence of the defendant in court yesterday.

Specifically,  Kanu, is standing trial on criminal conspiracy, managing and belonging to an unlawful society and criminal intimidation contrary to Section 97, 97B and 397 of the penal code.

The fact of the case, according to DSS report was that the accused formed an unlawful society with the purpose of bringing into being a Republic of Biafra.

He was alleged to have proclaimed himself as the leader of the Republic of Biafra and established a radio of Biafra.

Kanu was also alleged to have appointed himself Commander of the Loyal Forces of Biafra and was broadcasting to the whole world the dire consequences of the government and people of Nigeria will surfer should they attempt hinder the actualization of the Republic of Biafra.

IPOB members ground vehicular movements

In  the South East states, the agitation for the release of  the Director of Radio Biafra, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu by the Federal Government continued yesterday as members of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, numbering over 15,000, dared the military and protested in Onitsha the commercial city of Anambra State, marching in over 18 batches of about two thousand people per batch, and grounding vehicular movements in the ever busy Onitsha Enugu express way for over one and half hours.

Known for their peaceful and non violence agitation, the protesting IPOB members marched from Niger Bridge head entry into Anambra State, where the plaque of former Biafran warlord, late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu was built, to Naval outpost, Atani Road Ogbaru Local Government Area, and back to Uga Junction, where they again joined the Onitsha, Asaba Enugu Express way, down to Upper Iweka flyover.

At the Upper Iweka flyover bridge, they danced for about 30minutes and grounded vehicular movements  before their leaders directed that they should allow the vehicles to move but slowly.

Wielding placards with inscriptions as “Nigeria is a lawless land, and a terrorist state,” “Biafra is a Nation not a society,” “Free innocent man, Nnamdi Kanu or there will be no peace” “Freeinnocent man Nnamdi Kanu, he did not do anything wrong”, “No Biafra no peace”, including others derogatory inscriptions on their placards against the government, the protesting IPOB members marched towards Zik’s roundabout and military cantonment Onitsha.

On their march towards Zik’s roundabout, they stopped in front of the Onitsha military cantonment along the Onitsha Enugu Express way, danced for about 20 minutes, chanting anti Federal and Anambra state government    and military songs, demanding for the release of the incarcerated Kanu who they warn that if anything happens to him, they will make Nigeria ungovernable, before they left for Ziks Roundabout.

At Ziks roundabout named after the late Owelle of Onitsha, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, which is incidentally directly opposite the Onosi Onira retreat, home of the late first Nigerian president, they stopped and paid homage to Ziks plaque built at the roundabout, and addressed newsmen.

According to their spokesmen, who gave his name as Emma Powerful and  Sunday  Igbokaenyi, from Okija, IPOB wondered why Mr. Kanu should still be in detention after the court has granted him bail, they alleged that ban has been place on all the imported goods the Igbo are major importers to humilate them, adding that IPOB is a non violent group and should not be treated like criminals, when Federal Government is petting the Boko Haram members.

While Mr. Powerful said their protest is in continuation of their agitation for the Sovereign State of Biafra and release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, and to tell the Federal Government that no amount of threat from the Military will stop them until their objectives are achieved.

Hoist Kanu’s portraits, Biafra emblems in Aba

While the Onitsha protest was still ongoing, over 20,000 members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, also yesterday embarked on another protest march in Aba, Abia state, where they hoisted Biafra emblems and Nnamdi Kanu’s portraits across billboards and other high-rise structures across the city.

As the protesters grew in number, it was a major difference from past protests as all the markets in the city including the Ariaria International, Cemetery and Ahia Ohuu markets were open for business. Vanguard observed that shop owners along Azikiwe road hurriedly shut their shops to avoid the wrath of the protesters.

Recall that the Police in Aba led by the Area Commander, ACP Peter Wagbara, had last week, went round the city and removed Biafra emblems mounted at strategic points and high rise

Transfer me to prison custody - Nnamdi Kanu begs court

Ekiti poll: ‘How military, DSS men caged opposition’

•Capt. Koli, 13 others testify before army’s panel

The Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Chief Olajide Awe, has said the role of the Army during the June 22 governorship election in Ekiti State was “better imagined than experienced”.

Fayose, Omisore, Obanikoro

He and 14 others yesterday testified before the Army panel of inquiry investigating the involvement of its officers and soldiers in the 2014/2015 governorship and presidential elections in Ekiti, Osun, Rivers and Akwa-Ibom states.

It was gathered that Army officers and personnel, including the famous Capt. Sagir Koli, who released the voice clip which alleged that former Minister of State for Defence, Senator Musliu Obanikoro, rigged the election in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) had last week appeared before the panel.

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 1 Mechanised Division, Kaduna, who is also the President of the panel, Maj-Gen. Adeninyi Oyebade, had on November 9, inaugurated the panel on behalf of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai.

Gen Oyebade said the Army was deeply concerned about the alleged misconduct of its officers and men before, during and after the elections.

Testifying yesterday, Awe told the panel that the role of soldiers in the June 2014 governorship election in Ekiti was better imagined because according to him, it was more of a battle field between the soldiers and voters.

He alleged that before the election, party bigwigs, including former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, were prevented from entering the state for the party’s rally. Edo State Governor Adams Oshiomhole was grounded in Benin on the orders of the power-that-be.

The APC chairman said over N30 million meant for party agents and election works were confiscated by some soldiers, whose identity, particularly their name tags, were concealed with black bands.

Awe said 36,000 security personnel, including soldiers, invaded the state on the eve of the election, harassed and arrested party leaders, members and supporters.

He added that he received phone calls from party loyalists on election day, alleging the maltreatment soldiers were meting out to them.

The APC chairman said the whereabouts of the Director-General of the Fayemi Campaign Organisation, Bimbo Daramola, who escaped arrest in Ire, was still unknown even after the election.

Awe told the panel that there was no election in the state, noting that former Governor Kayode Fayemi accepted the outcome of that election for peace to reign in the state.

He said while he objected, Fayemi replied that “look if we say we cannot accept the election result, we will put the lives of our people in danger”.

The APC leader added that “Fayemi accepted the result in the name of peace. Some of this did not go down well with our people. We took the decision to accept the result for the sake of peace in the state.”

Asked by Gen. Oyebade if there was a report of killing during the election, Awe said there was none.

He, however, said that in his village, several houses were razed, 15 vehicles destroyed and several people kidnapped.

“Some of these kidnapped victims were later found at Sagamu, Ogun State, with bruises on their bodies.

“Sir, there was no reports of anybody killed, but of robbery, harassment and intimidation,” Awe added.

The APC chieftain also fingered operatives of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the police in the party’s misfortunes, saying that the “DSS did a lot havoc because its officials were close to the people”.

He explained that while the DSS officials wore hoods, the soldiers covered their name tags.

His words: “Prior to the June 22, 2014 governorship election in Ekiti State, we were excited when told that the Army will be involved in maintaining peace. A week or so after the soldiers arrived, our expectation was short-lived.

“On Wednesday, we started seeing that things were not as we thought. Thursday, we had a rally where most of our guests, especially party bigwigs were prevented from coming into the state.

“Nearly all major roads in Ekiti were blocked by the military. The stop and search was beyond what it should be. Money meant for the party agents and other logistics were taken by the soldiers.”

He urged the panel to allow him file photo evidence of his claim.

Gen Oyebade granted Awe’s prayer and asked him to submit the evidence within 48 hours.

When it was the turn of the Ekiti State PDP Secretary, Tope Aluko, to testify, he pleaded to be heard behind camera. The panel members obliged him for security reasons.

Ekiti poll: ‘How military, DSS men caged opposition’