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Nnamdi Kanu Disassociates Himself from #ENDSARS Protest’s Mayhem in Video Evidence

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Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) on Thursday, said in a video played in court that the destructions witnessed during the #ENDSAR Protest in October 2020 could not have been as a result of his broadcasts on Biafra Radio.Kanu stated this during his interrogation by the Department of State Service (DSS) on July 17, 2021, and the video evidence played before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Report says that video recording of the session where the DSS investigators, including the witness, identified as BBB, interrogated Kanu and obtained written statement from him, was played in court.
BBB identified Kanu in the video as well as two of his lawyers who were with him during the session, including Alloy Ejimakor.
He, however, admitted making broadcast in respect of the #ENDSARS protest and other broadcasts on Biafra Radio.He said the protest that took place in Lagos during the protest was outside the Biafran territory and that the mayhem witnessed during the period could not have been as a result of his broadcast.Kanu confirmed being the founder and leader of IPOB and Eastern Security Network (ESN).Kanu said he was not directly involved in the day-to-day running of both organisations (IPOB and ESN), which he said were managed by their states’ coordinators.During the interaction session, Kanu sought and was granted permission to ease himself.He went into the restroom, returned a moment later and the interview session continued.Kanu said he did not have authority over his members, adding that if he had had authority over them, he would not have subscribed to referendum.He said he would have just pronounced Biafra into existence.In the video, Kanu denied that IPOB was responsible for the violent attacks in some parts of the South East and the killings witnessed..He said that IPOB was a peaceful and a non-violent movementKanu, who said he facilitated the establishment of ESN, explained that the organisation was necessitated by the killings of the people of the South East.“If you look at what was happening in our land, that was what gave rise to ESN.“If our people cannot go to farm, and people are killed in their land, do you sit down and do nothing?“People can no longer go to farm; people can no longer carry out their economic activities,” he said.Kanu faulted the invasion of his house by armed soldiers, which he said accounted for why he left the country for fear of being killed.He argued that the invasion was unnecessary and also faulted the manner he was arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria.Meanwhile, BBB, who was the 2nd prosecution witness (PW-2), while being led in evidence by the Federal Government’s lawyer, Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, narrated how Radio Biafra broadcast by Kanu led to killing of eminent Nigerians, including security officers.The witness said Kanu’s broadcasts led to the killing of a former Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to ex-President Gooluck Jonathan, Ahmed Gulak.BBB said he was part of the DSS’ team that investigated the complaint made against Kanu by the then Attorney General of the Federation (AGF), Abubakar Malami.He said the defendant’s broadcast also led to the killing of a retired judge, Justice Stanley Nnaji and an intending military couple; Sergeant Audu Lucas and Private Glory Matthew.The witness said Kanu, in one of his broadcasts, ordered his followers to enforce a sit at home in all South Eastern states and in the process many people, who went out of their houses on that day, were killed.He said investigation revealed that Sergeant Lucas and Private Matthew were not only killed by those who were enforcing Kanu’s sit at home order, they were also beheaded.The witness said investigation also revealed that before killing Gulak, those enforcing the sit-at-home directive by Kanu, blamed him (Gulak) for coming out on a day their leader asked people not to go out of their homes.He added that, from their investigation, they found that Kanu founded IPOB and ESN, which is the armed wing of IPOB, and that he was the leader of both groups.“We were also able to establish that he (Kanu) founded Radio Biafra through which he made inciting comments like killing of police officers and burning of property,” the witness said.He added that they also found that Radio Biafra was not registered in Nigeria and that owing to Kanu’s broadcast, police stations in Cele and Ilasa (both in Lagos) were burnt by his followers.The witness said investigation also revealed that about 100 luxury buses, belonging to the Lagos Government and part of the Murtala Mohammed International Airport in Lagos were burnt as allegedly directed by Kanu in one of his broadcasts.The witness added: “He (Kanu) did not only call for the killing of security officers, he called for them to be beheaded, which they (his followers) did.”He said their investigation revealed that Kanu’s agitation for Biafra was to secede the states of South East and part of Benue and Kogi from Nigeria.According to him, the defendant called for the establishment of the state of Biafra by any means possible, including war.After Awomolo concluded evidence-in-chief, the lawyer to the defendant, Paul Erokoro, SAN, sought an adjournment for the defence to cross examine the witness.The judge adjourned the matter until May 14, May 21 and May 22 for further hearing.(NAN

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Mbah Reshuffles Cabinet, Swears-in Head of Service, Six Commissioners

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From Sylvia Udegbunam, Enugu

Enugu State Governor, Dr. Peter Mbah has recently rejigged his cabinet, swearing in a new Head of Service, six new Commissioners, and reassigning three others.

Mbah also assigned portfolios to the new appointees following the administration of Oath of Office on them by a representative of the Ministry of Justice, Chizoba Ogbodo, at the State Executive Council Chamber, Government House, Enugu.

The newly sworn-in appointees are: Dr.

Godwin Anigbo, Head of Service; Engr. Benjamin Osita Okoh, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure; Prof. Benedett Ekwutosi Okoli, Commissioner for Human Development and Poverty Eradication; Enyinna Franklin Ogbonna, Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources; and Dr.
Samuel Ogbu-Nwobodo, Commissioner for Trade, Investment, and Industry.

Others are Prof. George Ugwu, Commissioner for Health and Engr. Ben Collins Ndu Jr., who was designated as the Commissioner for Water Resources.

Dr. Felix Nnamani was reassigned from the Ministry of Water Resources to the Ministry of Labour and Employment as Commissioner, Dr. Malachy Agbo was reassigned from the Ministry of Human Development and Poverty Eradication to the Ministry of Information, while the former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Engr. Gerald Otiji, is now the Commissioner for Housing.

Speaking on the occasion, Mbah charged the appointees to hit the ground running, stressing that there would be no honeymoon period for them.

He said the administration had in two years steered high expectations among the people of the state as well as Nigerians in general and could not lower its performance across sectors.

“You would soon notice that here in Enugu, we have steered such a high expectation among our people. And every day it feels as though we are presenting a scorecard.

“Therefore, you have to hit the ground running, as there will be no honeymoon period for you, unfortunately.

mongous goals that we have outlined. And your various Ministries will play critical roles in accomplishing those goals.

“We set targets, we set goals, and we have key performance indicators, we have measurable indicators, hence, we have to measure and we have to constantly take analysis of where you are in respect to the set goals and what your results are. Those key performance indicators are key to us and we will measure you based on these outcomes and results,” the governor stated.

He further charged the appointees to work as a team, in line with the established cultures of the administration.

“We also recognise teamwork champions. We do not encourage working in silos. You have to work as a team, we believe that by working as a team, we are able to accomplish our collective goals. You should not see your colleagues as rivals. They should actually complement your efforts instead.

“Our modest accomplishment in the state so far is not done by a single champion. We like to recognise our successes as team efforts,” he added.

Speaking on behalf of other appointees, Dr. Ogbu-Nwobodo thanked the governor for finding them worthy out of the many other highly qualified Enugu citizens and beyond, assuring that they would not let him down.

“Since you chose to entrust us with this sacred duty as you make history on a daily basis. We will keep faith with our Oath of Office. We will be loyal and dedicated in the discharge of our duties. We will strive to contribute to the nationally acknowledged success that your government has become,” he said.

The swearing-in ceremony was witnessed by the Deputy Governor, Barr. Ifeanyi Ossai; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Victor Udeh, several commissioners and senior appointees of government as well as the spouses of the appointees.

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NCS Strengths Tie with China Customs

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By Tony Obiechina Abuja

The Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has deepened its strategic engagement with the General Administration of Customs of China (GACC) through a high-level meeting held in Beijing on July 25, 2025.

According to NCS Spokesman, Abdullahi Maiwada in a statement on Sunday, Assistant Comptroller of Customs, the meeting aimed to explore bilateral knowledge exchange and capacity development in customs administration.

The NCS delegation, led by Assistant Comptroller-General of Customs Oluyomi Adebakin, discussed customs training methodologies, modernization models, and technology-driven solutions with GACC officials.

The Chinese Customs authorities shared their structured training system, which incorporates virtual reality, 5G-enabled systems, and blended e-learning approaches.

The meeting highlighted Nigeria’s active participation in China-led customs development initiatives, with over 200 African customs officers trained since 2023. The Chinese Customs officials commended Nigeria’s growing leadership in international customs platforms and appreciated the election of the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, as Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council.

Both parties expressed mutual interest in exploring technical exchange programs, joint research initiatives, and officer exchange schemes. The NCS aims to strengthen its human capital, advance intergovernmental partnerships, and modernize customs operations in accordance with global standards.

The engagement aligns with promoting knowledge sharing, harmonizing customs procedures, and building an integrated trade infrastructure for sustainable development, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

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Ex-NALDA Executive Secretary, Prince Ikonne Congratulates Super Falcons on Remarkable Victory

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…Urges Revitalization of Enyimba FC, Sports Development in Abia State

By Mike Odiakose, Abuja’s

The immediate past Executive Secretary of the National Agricultural Lands Development Authority (NALDA), Prince Paul Ikonne, has extended his heartfelt congratulations to the Super Falcons of Nigeria for their outstanding performance and triumph at the just concluded Africa Women’s Nations Cup.

Prince Ikonne described the victory as not only a celebration of athletic excellence but also a powerful reminder of the potential within Nigeria’s sports sector, especially women’s football.

In a statement by Dr Ujo justice, Chief press secretary, he lauded the determination, discipline, and patriotic spirit displayed by the Super Falcons, which, according to him, serves as a source of pride and unity for all Nigerians.

“This remarkable victory has once again placed Nigeria at the pinnacle of African women’s football. It is a testament to the resilience and world-class talent our nation continues to produce. The Super Falcons have proven that with the right support, Nigerian sports can dominate the global stage,” he said.

While rejoicing with Nigerians over the historic win, Prince Ikonne also used the occasion to draw attention to the declining state of sports development in Abia State, particularly the deplorable condition of Enyimba Football Club of Aba — once the pride of Nigerian club football and two-time back-to-back champions of the CAF Confederation Cup.

He expressed deep concern that Enyimba Football Club, a club that once inspired millions and put Aba and Abia State on the global sports map, has become a shadow of its glorious past due to poor management, political interference, and a lack of visionary investment.

“Enyimba FC is not just a football club; it is a cultural and economic asset to the people of Aba and Abia State. Sadly, what we now see is a politicized and struggling club that no longer commands the respect it once did across Africa. We must return Enyimba to the days of continental glory,” he stated.

Prince Ikonne called on the Abia State Government to take urgent, apolitical steps to reposition Enyimba FC by investing in modern infrastructure, hiring competent football administrators, and creating a professional ecosystem that allows the club to thrive independently of partisan politics.

He emphasized that sports development, if properly harnessed, can serve as a tool for youth engagement, crime reduction, job creation, and international recognition.

He further urged stakeholders in Abia to treat sports as serious business, worthy of the same strategic planning and investment given to other sectors.

“As we celebrate the Super Falcons, let us also look inwards and address the rot that has stifled our local sports institutions. Enyimba FC deserves better.

“The young talents in Abia deserve a platform to dream and achieve. Sports should unite and develop, not divide and frustrate,” he added.

Prince Ikonne reaffirmed his commitment to championing youth and sports development in Abia State, expressing hope that the government will rise to the occasion and restore Enyimba Football Club to its rightful place among Africa’s elite.
End

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