IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu seeks negotiation with Nigerian Govt

Accept reconciliation window – Ohanaeze begs FG

T

KANU 

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

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

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

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


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

Source: Nairaland 

IPOB Leader Simon Ekpa must be prosecuted, Finnish government giving him support says Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff

Ekoa

Nigeria's chief of defence staff (CDS),  Christopher Musa has said Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), must be arrested and prosecuted.

Musa, on Wednesday during a Channels Television special broadcast to mark Nigeria’s 2024 Democracy Day said Ekpa is based in Finland and has continued to issue the sit-at-home order in IPOB’s and Kanu’s names.

The Nigerian Army General accused the government of Finland of shielding Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed prime minister of the IPOB.

It should be noted that Nnamdi Kanu has not been convicted of any crime yet despite his incarceration since his abduction by Buhari led APC government.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

WE WILL SMOKE OUT GUNMEN WHO KILLED SOLDIERS - GOV OTTI VOWS, THANKS ARMY FOR REDUCING TENSION

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, OFR, has assured that the State Government will work with the security agencies to fish out the criminal elements, who ambushed an army post at Obikabia in Obingwa Local Government Area on Thursday, May 30, and killed five soldiers.

Governor Otti thanked the Nigeria Army high command for reducing the tension that had enveloped the State, following the initial panic and apprehension that seized residents as a result of the barbaric killings, by not allowing aggrieved soldiers tow the part of reprisal.

According to the statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Kazie Uko, the Governor, who was at the headquarters of the 144 Infantry Battalion of the Nigeria Army in Asa, Ukwa West Local Government Area, on Saturday, on a condolence visit to the wives of the slain soldiers, commiserated with the army and announced a package to take care of the families the fallen soldiers left behind.

"Let me start by sending out words of sympathy to the Nigeria Army, the Brigade Commander (Brigadier General O. O. Diya) himself, and most importantly the families of the five fallen heroes.

"We, as a government, will continue to condemn this dastardly act, a very irresponsible act committed by criminals, who do not want any good for society.

"It's very sad, but then, it has happened and because it has happened, we will need to move on, but we cannot move on without identifying those who are responsible.

"It's as if General Diya was with me at the last place that we went to, where I had promised that we will smoke out whoever is remotely connected to this killing, whoever they are, wherever they are, wherever they run to.

"We are going to work like we have always done, closely with security agencies, particularly the intelligence unit of the security agencies, to ensure that we leave no stone unturned.

"So, I want to reassure the military high command and the leadership of the military in Abia that we are working together to ensure that we bring those people to book.

"The reason I came here (144 Battalion) today is to sympathise with you; to let you know that I feel your pain and I can understand what you're going through at this time. 

"On behalf of the government and people of Abia State, I want to assure you that we are behind you. We know that the military high command will also look after you, but because your husband's died here in Abia, we have adopted you as daughters of Abia and your children as children of Abia. 

"We have also put a plan in place to ensure that your children would get automatic scholarship until they finish university. From today, until they graduate, they have become the responsibility of the Abia State Government and we're going to make it a law so that even when I leave somebody else will not stop it," Governor Otti declared.

He thanked General Diya for helping to de-escalate the tension that had built up in and around Obikabia after the killings, especially Aba, which had come under lock down, by ensuring free movement of innocent residents and not embarking on a reprisal as an army statement had been credited. 

"I heard when the army talked about revenge, I think the right expression should have been that we will smoke out the criminals and deal with them. 

"It is not even possible for the good Abia people that I lead to be involved in this. We suspect, even though that I don't have proof that they are people that came from outside to destabilise the good things happening in Abia and we will not let them go scot free.

"I'm happy that you listened to my call that we de-escalate the tension and I really want to thank you. Aba was on lockdown, but as soon as we had our meeting and we spoke, you reduced the tension and de-accelerated the tension. I really want to thank you," the Governor said.

Earlier, the Brigade Commander, Brig-General Diya said the army were not relenting in their efforts to apprehend the perpetrators of the heinous act, disclosing that they have been gathering intelligence to bring whoever that is directly or remotely connected to the killing to book.

He recalled that two operational vehicles belonging to the army were burnt, weapons carted away, while five personnel lost their lives during the unfortunate attack.

The Speaker of Abia State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Emmanuel Emeruwa; Senator Darlington Nwokocha, the Chief of staff to the Governor, Pastor Caleb Ajagba; among other government functionaries, accompanied the Governor on the visit.

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

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

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

... developing story...

Source: Social media 

Killing of Soldiers in Aba: Abia State Government Places a N25 Million Bounty on Perpetrators

5 personnel killed in action — Nigerian Army 

The Abia State Government has noted with great regret the ugly incident that occurred on Thursday, May 30, 2024 at around 7:45 am at Obikabia Junction, in the Ogbor Hill area, Obingwa LGA, near Aba, where suspected criminal elements operating with several SUVs opened fire on men of the Nigerian Army on security duty leading to the killing of five soldiers. 

In a statement signed by Prince Okey Kanu who is the Hon. Commissioner for Information & Culture, the Abia State Government commiserates with the Chief of Army Staff, Major General Taoreed A. Lagbaja, and the Military High Command in the country for the unfortunate incident and pray for the peaceful repose of the souls of the gallant soldiers who died in active duty. 

The statement further reads:

"As a Government committed to security, safety and peace within its territory at all times, the Abia State Government considers the event of Thursday, May 30, 2024 a serious affront to its resolve by criminal elements who are hell-bent on returning Abia to the dark days of insecurity and fear amongst citizens, especially in Aba, the economic heartbeat of the State. This is more regrettable in the light of the fact that unprecedented investments have been made in the last one year to restore the city’s public infrastructure and reposition it as an attractive investment destination for local and foreign businesses."

"The Government will therefore respond appropriately to reassure citizens, investors and friends of Abia across the world that it would be relentless in bringing the full wrath of the law to bear on anyone or group who constitutes the slightest threat to the peace and security of the land, whatever be their motivation. "

"To underscore its resolve, the State Government is offering a N25 million (Twenty-five Million Naira) reward to anyone with useful information that could lead to the location and arrest of any of the criminals connected to the unfortunate killings, and the subsequent state of apprehension across the city of Aba and environs. The security formations in the State have been directed to treat informants with all the confidentiality required to guarantee their full cooperation and assistance until the criminals are fully apprehended and brought to book. "

"Furthermore, the Abia State Government will, in line with its commitment to the welfare of the security operatives working within its territory, take up the responsibility of supporting the families of the slain soldiers, including payment of regular stipends to their spouses, and the education of their children to university level. It is the least the State can do for the soldiers who died in brave service to their fatherland."

"The Government will also like to specially appreciate the officers and men of the Nigerian Army in the State for maintaining a high sense of professionalism in their response to the very distressing event. The State will also encourage our military and security personnel to continue to show restraint, whether at the checkpoints, on patrol, or while engaged in other security duties, even as the Government continues to work with all relevant stakeholders, including the security high commands, traditional and community leaders to gather and process all intelligence information which will ultimately lead to the capture of the perpetrators of the heinous crime at Obikabia Junction, and anyone directly or remotely connected to it in any form. "

"The Government wishes to use this medium to encourage citizens to go about their legitimate duties without fear as necessary measures have been put in place to ensure the safety of residents, and businesses in all parts of Abia. Individuals with useful information on the activities and movement of criminals in their neighbourhood are also advised to share such information with the security agencies as quickly as possible for necessary action. "

"Traditional and community leaders in all parts of the State are by this communication advised to set up suitable local intelligence gathering mechanisms in their localities and share whatever new information they get with the security agencies regularly. The State Government shall not hesitate to bring the full weight of the law to bear on any traditional or community leader found to be harbouring criminal elements in their domains."

"Lastly, the Abia State Government will continue to give all necessary support to the security agencies in the State for the purpose of protecting lives and property. Very importantly, the earlier warning to criminal elements to consider all parts of Abia as a no-go area is still in force. Any attempt to test the will of the Government, as happened on Thursday, May 30, 2024, shall be resisted with every resource at the disposal of the State. Abia shall remain very hospitable and accommodating to all law-abiding citizens and those who engage only in legitimate businesses as defined by the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria while it shall continue to be a very hostile space for anyone whose actions or inactions, are capable of disrupting the peace and security of our communities." 

The NIGERIAN ARMY had in a press release confirmed the attack against its troops at a checkpoint near Aba.

PRESS RELEASE ON ATTACK ON TROOPS OF OPERATION UDO KA AT CHECKPOINT IN ABIA STATE ON 30 MAY 2024

Troops of OP UDO KA deployed at Obikabia Junction Checkpoint in Obingwa Local Government Areas adjourning Aba metropolis in Abia State were attacked and sadly killed by terrorist of IPOB/ ESN. The troops deployed to enforce peace in the area and protect the citizens were massed attacked by the terrorist. The terrorist in 3 tinted Prado Toyota SUVs and others from builtup areas surrounding the checkpoint, sprang a surprise attack on the checkpoint. 

The attack sadly took the lifes of 5 personnel of the armed forces killed in action. The armed forces mourns the death of these troops as each and every soldier lost in battle is a terrible loss. Meanwhile, investigation are ongoing concerning the attack. 

Overall, it must be reinterated that the lifeline of the terrorist is the people and this situation is no exemption. Winning the war without the support of the people is close to impossible. The IPOB capitalised on this to perpetrate attacks on the troops. The situation leaves more to be desired. 

Accordingly, it is absolutely imperative that the military retaliate against this dastardly act against troops. The military would be fierce in its response. We would bring overwhelming military pressure on the group to ensure their total defeat.

EDWARD BUBA

Major General

Director Defence Media Operations

EFCC Arraigns One for Alleged Currency Racketeering in Enugu

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, May 29, 2024 arraigned one Nwachukwu Ifeanyi, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.

Ifeanyi was arraigned on a two-count charge bordering on currency racketeering and operating a bureau de change business without an appropriate licence.

Count two of the charge reads: “That you, Nwachukwu Ifeanyi, sometime in February 2024, at Douglas Road, Owerri, imo State, within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria, hawked the total sum of Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500, 000. 00) mints in Five Hundred Naira (500) denominations, issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (4) of the Central Bank of Nigeria Act, 2007 and punishable under Section 21 (1) of the same Act”.

He pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him. In view of his plea, Christiana Chioma Igwe, counsel to the EFCC prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.

However, defence counsel, U. E. Ibekwe informed the court about a pending bail application before it. He  attempted to move the said application but was vehemently opposed by Igwe on the grounds that “the prosecution was just served this morning and we need time to respond my Lord. It is not ripe for hearing my Lord"

After listening to both sides,  Justice  Umar adjourned the matter to June 4, 2024 for hearing of bail application while the defendant was remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.

Ifeanyi was arrested  on February 9, 2024  by members of the Special Task Force of the Commission following credible intelligence linking him to currency racketeering.

Investigations revealed that Ifeanyi  used his shop, located at 98 Douglas Road, Owerri, Imo State to hawk new Naira notes. He was arrested at his shop with Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N500,0. 00) mints in Five Hundred Naira (500) denomination.

 

Source: EFCC 

How EFCC Arraigns Forex Broker for Alleged N112m Fraud in Enugu

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC has arraigned one Daniel Chukwuka Koussou, a forex broker before Justice C. O. Ajah of the State High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.

 

He was arraigned  on a one-count charge bordering on criminal conversion and stealing to the tune of N112, 800, 800. 00 (One Hundred and Twelve Million, Eight Hundred Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira).

 

The lone count charge reads; “That you, Daniel Chuwuka Koussou sometime in July 2022, in Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did commit a felony to wit: stealing by fraudulently converting to your own use the sum of N112, 800, 800. 00 (One Hundred and Twelve Million, Eight Hundred Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira), property of Chinedu Igbokwe and thereby committed an offence”.

 

The offence is contrary to Section 342 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 30 of the Laws of Enugu State and punishable under Section 353 (1) of the same Law.

 

The defendant pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to him.

 

In view of his plea, counsel to the EFCC, Ahmad Yusuf Abdullahi prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.

 

However, the defence counsel, Ogechukwu Agbo informed the court about a motion on notice for bail for her client.  Abdullahi vehemently opposed the said application on the grounds that “the defendant might jump bail considering the weight of the allegation my lord”.

 

After listening to both sides, Justice Ajah granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N50, 000, 000. 00 (Fifty Million Naira) and two sureties in like sum. The sureties must be resident within jurisdiction. They must swear an affidavit of means, show evidence of tax payment for the past three years, deposit two full size photographs, be public servants of not less than Grade Level 16 and they must be verified in writing by the prosecution.

 

The defendant was thereafter remanded at the Enugu State Correctional facility pending the fulfilment of the bail conditions.

 

 Koussou was arrested following claims of a petitioner who alleged that he sent $276, 000 to the defendant, a supposed agent for Providus Bank, to convert into Naira and return same.

 

According to the petitioner, on July 6, 2022, Providus Bank paid Koussou the full money in Naira but the defendant sent part-payment of N21, 759, 771 to him (the petitioner) and diverted the rest for his personal use.  All efforts made to get him to pay up proved abortive.

 

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arrests 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Enugu

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected internet fraudsters in Enugu State.

The suspects were arrested on May 10, 2024 in Igboeze, Nsukka and Enugu metropolis following actionable intelligence concerning their alleged online criminal activities.

Items recovered from them include; three cars, mobile phones, laptops, one Point Of Sale (POS) machine and several incriminating documents.

They will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded 

Source: EFCC

STATEMENT: NIGERIAN ARMY DID NOT CONFISCATE PROPERTY OF ENUGU RESIDENT, IT RIGHTFULLY BELONGS TO THE NA

The Nigerian Army (NA) has been notified of a viral petition written by the Civil Rights Realisation and Advancement Network (CRRAN) alleging that 82 Division of the NA is threatening to forcefully and unlawfully take over a property situated at Plot 30, Abakaliki Road, Enugu, which includes No. 7 Abakaliki Lane in the Government Residential Area (GRA) of Enugu State. 

The NA wishes to state that the  petition, which  also posits that 82 Division, in defiance to a letter from the office of the Chief of Army Staff decided to take the law into its hand and supplant the rule of law, is completely unfounded and intended to tarnish the ongoing efforts of the NA to restore peace and tranquility in the South East Region. 

It is therefore necessary to set the record straight  in order not to mislead the public. It must be first  acknowledged that  the historical ownership and legal documentation of the controversial property predates the current dispute. 

Available official records indicate that immediately after the end of the Nigerian civil war, the Military Governors/Administrators of Enugu State allocated 36 properties to the Nigerian Army (NA) to address the accommodation needs of officers in the 82 Division. These properties were acknowledged by  Enugu State Government as belonging to the Federal Government and by extension the NA on 14 April 2008. Accordingly the State Government initiated a proposal for an ownership  exchange of the properties. In the terms of agreement of the proposal, the NA was to release 26 of the said properties to the State Government  and in return, the State Government  would construct alternative accommodations within the Abakpa Military Cantonment for the NA.

The property in question, Plot 30, Abakaliki Road, was among the 36 properties allocated to the NA, but was not part of the 26 properties involved in the proposed exchange with the State Government. The Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) issued by the State Government to Barrister Ogbodo Nana on 22 November, 2022, is defective as  the C of O was granted without a proper revocation of the original title held by the Nigerian Army, which would be a necessary legal step to change ownership.

Furthermore,  in April 2023, Colonel Ugwuoke (retired) was ejected from House No 7 Abakaliki Lane, after it was discovered that he had attempted to acquire the property through the State Government without proper authorization. The subsequent sale of a portion of the land to the current claimant, Barrister Ogbodo Nana, was done without the consent or approval of the NA, which would have been required for a lawful transaction.

The NA is a disciplined institution that respects human rights and the rule of law. We urge the public to disregard the narrative that suggests the NA is acting unlawfully or without respect for due process. The NA's position is that the property remains under its ownership, until proven otherwise through appropriate legal channels, and any claims to the contrary are based on misinformation.

Consequently the NA calls for a thorough investigation and due process to resolve the matter, and it stands ready to present its evidence of ownership to the competent authorities. We also wish to  reaffirm our commitment to the rule of law and the proper resolution of this dispute in accordance with Nigerian legal standards and provisions.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU

Major General

Director Army Public Relations

8 May 2024

EFCC Arrests 23 Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Ebonyi

Operatives of the Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC have arrested twenty-three (23) suspected internet fraudsters in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

The suspects were arrested in the early hours of Thursday, May 2, 2024 following actionable intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet related activities.

Items recovered from them include one laptop and mobile phones.

The suspects would be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.

 

Source: EFCC 

#PHOTOS: HOW NIGERIAN TROOPS OF JOINT TASK FORCE OPERATION UDO KA RAIDS IPOB/ESN B44 CAMP IN IMO STATE

The Nigerian Army in a statement has confirmed the troops of operation Udo Ka raided the IPOB in Imo State.

According to the reports, the Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA in continuation of its operations to stamp out the criminalities of IPOB/ESN from the South East Nigeria has raided and cleared the notorious Monday Oluchi Ogu Camp also known as B44 Camp in Imo State. 

The Nigerian Army said the raid operations commenced on Thursday 28 March 2024 and was aimed at clearing known Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed affiliate the Eastern Security Network (ESN) Camp located at the border of Njaba River bothering Awo-Omama Community in Oru East Local Government Area and Ezoiha community in Mbaitoli LGA of Imo State.

"During the clearance operations that continued on Friday troops came in contact with the criminals. Due to the superior fire power, the terrorists were forced to flee into the nearby bushes with various degrees of injuries and gunshot wounds. Troops further encountered and detonated some of the planted Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) meant to hinder troops movements. "

It is disheartening to discover that some innocent Ndigbos some reported kidnapped were gruesomely murdered and buried in shallow graves in the Camp without any form of dignity. As part of the Nigerian Army Civil Military Cooperation Relations, forensic analysis of some of the exhumed corpses will be done for a beffiting burial.  

Other items recovered include, Three IEDs, One RPG bomb, One motorcycle, Seven Baofeng handheld radios, local jewelries, a foreign ATM card, two SIM cards, two voters cards, Plate numbers of stolen vehicles and a toolbox.

The Force Commander Joint Task Force Operation UDO KA; Maj Gen HT DADA wish to assure all citizens of the NA's committments to ensure peace and stability in the region. The general public are enjoined to continue providing timely, reliable and credible information through its Toll free line *193* and press Option 2 to speak directly to a representative.

More pictures:

EFCC Arrests Barber, 11 other Suspected Internet Fraudsters in Uyo

Operatives of the Uyo Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission EFCC, on Thursday March 14, 2024, arrested a barber, and  eleven suspected internet fraudsters in a sting operation in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

They were arrested following credible intelligence on their suspected involvement in internet-related offences.

Source: EFCC

EFCC Arraigns Three former Bankers, One Other for N15.9m Fraud in Enugu

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Tuesday, March 12, 2024 arraigned three former bankers, Ogbu Kingsley Ibekwem, Nwagbara Chidimma and Uwaezuoke Raymond and Chidubem Angela Mgbeke before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu State.

They were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N15, 944, 100. 00 (Fifteen Million, Nine Hundred and Forty-four Thousand, One Hundred Naira).

One of the counts reads: “That you, Ogbu Kingsley Ibekwe and Chidubem Angela Mgbeke sometimes in January 2023 in Onitsha, Anambra State within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire among yourselves to commit felony to wit; retaining the sum of N7, 996, 800. 00 ( Seven Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety-six Thousand, Eight Hundred Naira) meant for evacuation to the Central Bank of Nigeria and property of Access Bank Plc Nottidge Branch, Onitsha which you knew or ought to have known to be proceeds of an unlawful act and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 21 (a) of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act 2022 and punishable under Section 20 (b)”.

They pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them. In view of their pleas, counsel to the EFCC , Ahmad Yusuf Abdullahi, prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendants to be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.  Defence counsel, O. O. Orji, however,  informed the court of a bail application already placed before it. 

Justice Umar thereafter adjourned the matter to May 22, 2024 for trial. The defendants were remanded at the EFCC custody pending the hearing of bail application.

Ibekwem, Chidimma and Raymond  were handed over to the EFCC on February 22, 2023  by Access Bank plc for pilfering N15, 944, 100. 00   before it was evacuated to the bullion unit of the bank for subsequent movement to the Central Bank of Nigeria. They were former staff of the Nottidge branch of the bank in  Onitsha, Anambra State.

Source: EFCC 

EFCC Arraigns One for Alleged N85m Contract Fraud in Enugu

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has arraigned one Ugwu Alexander Chekwube, before Justice Mohammed Garba Umar of the Federal High Court sitting in Independence Layout, Enugu State.

The defendant was arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N85, 000,000.00 (Eighty-five million naira only).

One of the four-count charges reads: “That you, Ugwu Alexander Chekwube and one Ugo Sunday Onuaguluchi (At large) from 2nd November 2022, to 6th December 2022 in Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria with intent to defraud induced one Zod International Developers to deliver to you the sum of N85,000,000.00 (Eighty-five million naira), under the pretence that you will help him secure a contract for the construction of six District Hospitals in Ebonyi State which pretence you knew to be false and you thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1(1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1(3) of the same Act”.

The defendant pleaded “not guilty” after hearing the charges read to him and following plea,  counsel to the EFCC, Nuradeen Shehu Ingawa, prayed the court for a trial date and the remand of the defendant at the Enugu State Correctional Centre. Defence counsel, M. C.

Onwuzuruoha, however,  told the court about a pending bail application before it.

Justice Umar thereafter adjourned the matter till April 17, 2024 for hearing on the bail application and ordered that the defendant be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.

Chekwube was arrested by the EFCC for allegedly luring a construction company, Zod International Developers, to pay him N85, 000,000.00 under the pretence that he would help the company secure a contract for the construction of six district hospitals in Ebonyi State. After collecting the said amount, the defendant neither secured the contract nor refund the money to the petitioner.

Source: Efcc

EFCC Arraigns One for N11.4m Fraud in Enugu

The Enugu Zonal Command of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on Wednesday, March 6, 2024 arraigned one Ukwueze Chidera Matthew before Justice F. O. Giwa-Ogunbanjo of the Federal High Court sitting in Enugu on a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing to the tune of N11, 458, 597. 53 (Eleven Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-Eight thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-Seven Naira, Fifty-Three kobo).

 

One of the charges reads: “That you,”Ukwueze Chidera Matthew, Chijioke Stephen Thomas (At large) and Chibuike Ignatius Okoli (At large) sometimes between 30th March 2022 and 8th June 2022 in Enugu, Enugu State within the jurisdiction of the Federal High Court of Nigeria retained the sum of N11, 458, 597. 53 (Eleven Million, Four Hundred and Fifty-eight thousand, Five Hundred and Ninety-seven Naira, Fifty-three koko) which you stole from Keystone account number 1012123695 belonging to Ajogwu Blessing Ukamaka which you knew or ought to have known to be proceed of your unlawful act and you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 20 (b) of Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022”.

 

He pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to him and in view of his plea,  counsel to the EFCC, B. Ajogwu prayed the court for a trial date and for the defendant to be remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility. Defence counsel, G. O. Ugwuoke however informed the court about a pending bail application before it.

 

Justice Giwa-Ogunbanjo thereafter adjourned the matter till March 12, 2024 for hearing of bail application and June 26 and 27, 2024 for trial. The defendant was remanded at Enugu State Correctional facility.

 

The defendant was arrested owing to the claims of a petitioner that  he allegedly withdrew N11, 458, 597. 53 from her bank account without her consent.

Investigations revealed that the defendant, who belongs to a syndicate of fraudsters, stole the petitioner’s Subscriber Identification Module (SIM) card and used the same to hack into her bank account and diverted the said sum.

Source: EFCC 

NIGERIA'S TROOPS OF JOINT TASK FORCE SOUTH EAST OP UDO KA RAIDED AND DESTROYED IPOB/ ESN SUPREME HEADQUARTERS AT MOTHER VALLEY (+Photos)

Recalling the commencement of the Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA (OPUK) that started on 11 February 2024, the combined JTF troops of NA, NN and NAF as well as personnel of NPF, DSS and NSCDC had cleared  and liberated ORSU, EKE-UTUTU, TANGO ONE ORSUMORGHU, IHITEUKWA IHITTENANSA and LILU over the last 3 weeks. 

In continuation of the sustained operations, the JTF OPUK troops on 7 March 2024 cleared and destroyed the notorious Supreme Headquarters of the terrorists Indigenous People of Biafara (IPOB) and its armed affiliate Eastern Security Network (ESN). The headquarters that serves as the last IPOB/ESN stronghold is located in the Mother Valley and spans Orsu and Ihiala LGAs of Imo and Anambra States respectively is about 5,000 feet below sea level. The well concealed and forested location affords the terrorists good cover from air surveillance. It also serves as their command and control centre and military council headquarters.

During the raid operations, the gallant troops encountered, detonated and recovered many command Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and various types of obstacles which were cleared by the determined troops. The troops also came in contact with the terrorists but were subdued with superior fire power with many neutralized while others with varying degrees of gunshot wounds fled into the bush. Thus, all Ndi-Imo and Ndi-Anambra are requested to report any strange face in their communities to OPUK by dialing Emergency Line 193 and Press 2 from their phones.

In addition to many weapons, equipment, IEDs and stolen vehicles recovered over the last 3 weeks,  items recovered in the *Mother Valley* today include; 3 x G3 rifles, 9 x Automatic Pump Action Rifles, 7 x Double Barrel Guns, 2 x Locally Made Pistols, 2 x Rocket Propelled Grenade Bombs, 2 x AK 47 Magazine and 1 x G3 Magazine. Others are 26 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 16 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition, 72 Pump Action Cartridges , 1 x Chainsaw, 1 x Laptop, 1 x CCTV DVR, 26 x CCTV Cameras. 17 x  Baofeng Radios with Batteries and 10 without batteries including their chargers. Also recovered are, 6 x Handheld IEDs, 26 x android phones, 25 x normal phones, 1 x inverter, 1 x SIM Card Registration Machine, 4 x POS machines, 3 x Motorcycle batteries for igniting IEDs, 2 x Trumpets, 2 x Biafra flags, 20 x ESN certificates, 2 x Dairies containing details of ammunition and food supplies and 2 pairs of Biafra Liberation Army uniforms.

The joint troops also destroyed about 50 tents in the Valley housing the Supreme Headquarters, IPOB/ESN command and control center, Buteuzor’s hideout and residence, offices, their logistics base, temples and shrines used for occultic practices among many other items. 

The Force Commander Joint Task Force South East Operation UDO KA, Major General Hassan Taiwo Dada wishes to appreciate the incredible cooperation of sister Services and other security agencies for the success achieved so far.  

The Force Commander also enjoins the leaders of all liberated communities to return to their ancestral homes, emplace community efforts to ensure that all criminal elements not from the communities are not allowed to return to desecrate their homelands. The JTF OPUK will continue to provide all security support to such communities within the ambit of the law. 

Furthermore all law abiding Ndigbos are enjoined to provide timely and actionable information through OPUK Emergency Line *193* then press Option 2 to help make the South East geopolitical zone a peaceful and conducive environment for socio-economic development to thrive.

Photos:

NIGERIAN ARMY TROOPS NEUTRALISE ESN TERRORIST, CLEAR HIDEOUTS, RECOVER ARMS, AMMUNITION

Nigerian Army troops have  successfully cleared IPOB/ESN hideout at Ihiteukwa Community in Orsu Local  Government Area of Imo State, neutralizing one IPOB/ESN Terrorist after an intense firefight on Saturday 2 March  2024. On overpowering the fighters, the gallant troops conducted a search in their hideout and recovered 3 Improvised Explosive Devices (IED), one Toyota Highlander SUV, one Hilux vehicle, 8 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 6 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition and one locally fabricated single barrel gun. Other items recovered from the terrorists' hideout include a pair of proscribed Biafran uniform, one solar panel, one CCTV camera, 10 mobile phones,  batteries, a bundle of proscribed Biafran Currency, 3 solar street lights, 3 jungle hats, pairs of black boots and assorted charms.

In a separate operation, conducted by own troops at a suspected IPOB/ESN crossing point in Akawa Nneato  general area of Umunneochi Local Government Area of Abia State, own troops engaged the terrorists in a firefight resulting in the terrorists scampering in disarray into nearby bushes.   On exploiting further after the shootout, troops recovered one AK-47 Rifle loaded with 19 rounds of 7.62mm (Special) ammunition, 2 empty magazines and one FN Rifle loaded with 4 rounds of 7.62mm (NATO) ammunition. 

In another development, troops operating in the Kawara general area of Birnin Gwari Forest in Kaduna State have cleared and destroyed a series of terrorists' camps in the area. During the operation, troops recovered 3 motorbikes, one PKT Gun link containing 246 rounds of 7.62mm by 39mm ammunition, one woodland camouflage and a pair of Desert boots. Other items recovered include 3 magazine carriers and one Boafeng Radio. 

Troops have dominated the general area and conducting further exploits in pursuit of the insurgents.

The Nigerian Army remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of citizens and will continue to sustain operations to sanitize troubled areas in order to reatore peace and stability in the country.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU

Major General

Director Army Public Relations

3 March 2024