We won’t retreat or surrender, ESN under oath – IPOB dares Tinubu govt on referendum

We won’t retreat or surrender, ESN under oath – IPOB dares Tinubu govt on referendum

The Biafran Times | Jan. 30, 2025

By Seun Opejobi

The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, on Thursday declared that the Eastern Security Network, ESN, is under oath to safeguard the Southeast, stressing that operatives would not engage in any form of criminality.

Celebrating ESN’s 4th anniversary, IPOB disclosed that there are serious consequences for any ESN operative that goes against the outfit’s Code of Conduct and ethics.

In a statement he signed, the spokesman of IPOB, Emma Powerful, commended the gallantry of the ESN Command in the Southeast as they celebrated their 4th year anniversary on December 12, 2024, noting that “IPOB and Ndigbo are happy to congratulate all ESN Operatives on their belated 4th Anniversary Parade that took place on December 12th, 2024, in Biafra Land.”

Disclosing that the anniversary was delayed due to security concerns, Powerful declared that IPOB won’t retreat or surrender until Biafra’s referendum is achieved and President Bola Tinubu releases its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Read Also: Report: Killings, Abductions And Disappearances Aimed At Violently Seizing And Pocketing Criminal Billions By Police, Military And Armed Non-State Actors Took The Center Stage Of 2024 Christmas And 2025 New Year Holidays In The South-East

According to Powerful: “The ESN Command 4th Anniversary videos and pictures were deliberately delayed because of the security concerns at the time of publication. However, the global family of IPOB and Biafrans in general salute the historic 4th Anniversary of our gallant men and women. We salute their bravery, dedication, and excellent service to our fatherland Biafra. In a special way, we honor the gallant heroes who have paid the ultimate sacrifice in their effort to keep our people safe. The warriors’ spirit in the living and departed comrades are working together to ensure that we restore Biafra Nation. Once again, we say congratulations to the men and women under the ESN Command!

“Eastern Security Network, ESN, is an Indigenous Vigilante Security outfit founded by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and the family of IPOB worldwide. The primary mission of ESN is to protect the people of the Southeastern region in the contraption called Nigeria from the marauding terrorists Fulani herdsmen. Prior to the formation of ESN, the murderous Fulani bandits and terrorists occupied many of Biafran’s forests and bushes. From the occupied bushes and forests, they launched attacks on our local farmers, the farmlands, and communities in our region. There were uncountable cases of Fulani terrorists’ attacks on many communities with countless women raped and many people, including children, killed by these soulless terrorists. But in the last 4 years of ESN operations in our land, the cases of Fulani herdsmen mass murder, rapes, killing of farmers, and displacement of communities in the Biafra territory are almost non-existent.

“On this 4th anniversary of the ESN Command, the worldwide family of IPOB wishes to reassure Ndigbo and Biafrans worldwide that ESN has the utmost interest of Biafrans above their own personal interest. They are under oath to safeguard the region and the people. That is why, for the past 4 years, they have sacrificed a lot for the greater good of Biafra land. They have lived in the bushes, confronted many challenges, and faced many difficult circumstances, including loss of lives. However, they have scaled by adopting adaptive strategies and prayers of Biafrans and other lovers of freedom.

“The IPOB leadership and IPOB worldwide have tremendously tried very hard to sustain ESN, and the Biafra struggle in the absence of our leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. Their resolve and determination to sustain and support ESN financially and morally cannot be overemphasized. ESN remains the last line of defense for Biafra Nation. It beholds Biafrans at home and in the diaspora to join IPOB in providing logistical support for ESN to continue to protect our land for the battles ahead. They are under oath to safeguard the region and the people.

“ESN Operatives have a strong sense of ethics and morality in discharging their duties. Therefore, be assured that ESN shall not engage in any criminal activity or in the killing or destroying of the people they have vowed to protect. There are serious consequences for any ESN Operative that goes against the ESN Code of Conduct and ethics.

“In this year 2025, ESN will intensify their activities in sting operations against all the criminals who have turned our land into a place where all manner of evil and abominable activities—ritual killings, extortion, illegal arrest, and forceful disappearances, drug businesses—take place. It is going to be an eye for an eye operation. Biafra Land must be free from all forms of criminality and terrorism being sponsored by the Nigerian government and desperate politicians just to tarnish the image of ESN, IPOB, and the Biafra struggle.

“ESN hereby warns all the local vigilantes under any code name in Biafra Land to tread with caution in discharging their duties. ESN operatives are not against the genuine vigilantes that are helping to curb crimes. But they must not cross the red lines by being a tool in the hands of the Nigerian Government and her murderous Security Forces to hunt, abduct, and kill any IPOB member or any innocent Biafran in Biafra territory. If they do, they should be ready to have a confrontation with ESN.

“ESN shall apply all necessary measures to facilitate the evacuation of terrorists and bandits in the uniform of the Nigerian Security Agencies out of the Biafra Region. Some of the people in these security uniforms are terrorists and criminals parading as state actors. ESN shall impose harsh punishment on any Biafran conniving with the Fulani herdsmen in land acquisition in the Southeast Region. Moreover, those individuals making money by pointing fingers at IPOB members to be abducted or killed by the Nigerian murderous Security Forces should be ready to be paid in the same coin.

“Finally, the global family of IPOB once again calls on the Nigerian Government under Bola Ahmed Tinubu to release our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and other Biafrans abducted by the Nigeria DSS, Army, and Police and detained unjustly. Self-determination is not a crime under any law in the world.

“IPOB shall never retreat nor surrender until Biafrans are given the right to vote in a referendum or exit Nigeria in some other way. God bless Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and IPOB Leadership for launching ESN to save our people from the Fulani bloody terrorists. God bless ESN Operatives for their bravery and sacrifices.”

Published by Charles Opanwa

Report: Killings, Abductions And Disappearances Aimed At Violently Seizing And Pocketing Criminal Billions By Police, Military And Armed Non-State Actors Took The Center Stage Of 2024 Christmas And 2025 New Year Holidays In The South-East

Report: Killings, Abductions And Disappearances Aimed At Violently Seizing And Pocketing Criminal Billions By Police, Military And Armed Non-State Actors Took The Center Stage Of 2024 Christmas And 2025 New Year Holidays In The South-East

Police and military seized at gunpoint and criminally pocketed N21.8billion (police N15billion and military N6.8billion) from South-East roadblock and barracks’ extortions in two months: Dec 2024-Jan 2025

Uga Junction and Atani Road Naval checkpoints most ‘lucrative’ in South-East; N600million (N1m per day) seized at gunpoint and criminally pocketed in two months (Dec 2024-Jan 2025) from at least ten extortion sources

Kidnappers seized N600million from defenseless abductees in 20 days: Dec 28-Jan 18 and N1.2billion in two months (Dec 2024-Jan 2025)

180 defenseless citizens killed in two months: 140 by armed non-state actors; and 40 others killed outside the law by military, police and killer-vigilantes

200 defenseless Southeasterners abducted in two months: 160 by armed non-state actors; and 40 others held outside the law and facing permanent disappearance by military, police and killer-vigilantes

Intersociety Report:

Onitsha, Eastern Nigeria

Thursday, January 30, 2025

Published by EASTERN PILOT 

Nigerian Military Criminally Pocketed N6.8billion In Two Months: Dec-Jan:

The deployed personnel of the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Nigeria Police Force and their High Commands in the South-East are responsible for seizing under gunpoint not less than N21.8billion from motorists, other road users and those who came in contacts with them in their barracks between December 1, 2024, and Jan 31, 2025. The sum represented “criminal billions” drawn from direct and indirect roadblock and “barracks extortions”; numbering over twenty sources and seized from members of the civilian population with legitimate means of livelihood who were extorted while preparing or returning for 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year holidays or extorted while heading back to their bases after the holidays. The findings above were derived from detailed research and investigation and their findings contained in the Intersociety’s December 22, 2024-Special International Report: “Ocean Of Innocent Blood Flowing In Eastern Nigeria”. The 282-Page Special International Report was unveiled in Enugu on December 22, 2024 at an international Press Conference. Not less than 19 pages (105-124) were set aside in the Report on police and military extortions and allied corrupt practices in Eastern Nigeria particularly in the South-East. The deployed security forces and their high commands were found to have mindlessly perpetrated the trio of armed state actor conduct-atrocities in the Region; namely: abductions, unlawful killings and corrupt practices of alarming proportion.

According to patterns and trends of these extortions studied by the Report, there are presently at least 300 direct military roadblocks, and 500 patrol teams or indirect roadblocks mounted on South-East roads-with 98% of them engaging in direct and indirect roadblocks extortions using publicly procured assault rifles and their ammunitions and patrol vans. These extortions and allied corrupt practices by military personnel are contrary to Section 108 of the Armed Forces Act of 2004 which prescribes fourteen years jail for any military personnel found involved in offense of extortion. The Report further found that average of N100,000 is illicitly pocketed daily by each of the military roadblocks; translating to N80m daily from 800 military roadblocks and patrol teams in the South-East or N2.4billion per month and N4.8billion in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025. Addition of N2billion was included and estimated to have arisen from “direct and indirect barracks extortions” and allied others-totaling N6.8billion, seized at gunpoint and illicitly pocketed from South-East motorists and allied others including those that encountered the military personnel in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025.

Further discovered were not less than ten sources of indirect military extortion in the South-East: with a clear case in point being patterns and trends of the corrupt practices of the officers and personnel of the Ogbaru Base of the Nigerian Navy at Onitsha and Ogbaru-the most lucrative military roadblock in the South-East; to the extent that not less than N1m is seized at gunpoint and criminally pocketed daily; translating to at least N600m in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025 by the Uga Junction Main Naval Checkpoint and three others located along Atani Road  and Harbor Industrial Layout in Ogbaru, Anambra State.

Nigeria Police Force Criminally Pocketed N15billion In Two Months: Dec-Jan

In the past two months under reference, the deployed officers and personnel of the Nigeria Police Force and their high commands manning estimated 2,500 direct roadblocks and patrol teams or indirect roadblocks on South-East roads and allied others are found to have been responsible for seizing at gunpoint and criminally pocketing not less than N15billion from motorists, other road users and those that encountered the police authorities at their barracks. The breakdown of the above indicated that Imo State with highest number of police roadblocks and patrol teams (700) in the South-East accounted for N2.94billion in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025; on daily average of N49million (N70,000 per police roadblock), N1.47billion monthly and N2.94billion in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025.

 Anambra State, which presently maintains second largest police roadblocks and patrol teams in the Region with estimated 600, N42million was criminally pocketed daily, N1.26billion monthly and N2.52billion in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025. In Abia State with third largest police roadblocks and patrol teams of estimated 500 in the Region, N35million was criminally pocketed daily, N1.05billion monthly and N2.1billion in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025. In Enugu State with fourth largest police roadblocks and patrol teams of 400 in the Region, N28million was criminally pocketed daily, N840million monthly and N1.68billion in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025; and Ebonyi State with fifth largest police roadblocks in the Region of 300 police roadblocks and patrol teams, N21m was pocketed daily, N630m monthly and N1.26billion in two months of December and January 2025.

Addition of estimated N3.5billion was made, representing ‘criminal billions’ seized at gunpoint from those that encountered police authorities at police barracks including “bail fees” and monetization and commercialization of arrest, detention and criminal investigations as well as N1billion added as “dark figures of crimes”; totaling estimated N15billion; or N10.5billion arising from direct and indirect roadblock extortions plus N3.5billion arising from “Police Barracks Extortions” and N1billion arising from “dark figures of police corruption proceeds”; totaling N15billion. It must be informed that Police roadblock extortion in Nigeria particularly in the South-East is prohibited and criminalized by Section 99 of the Criminal Code Act of 2004 and Section 408 of the Penal Code Act of 2004; both of which prescribe jail terms of three-seven years; and three-fourteen years respectively.

Kidnappers Seized N600m In 20 Days (Dec 28-Jan 18) And N1.2b In Dec-Jan

Estimated N600million was seized at gunpoint from 2024 Christmas and January 2025 New Year holiday makers or returnees by armed non-state actors operating with assault rifles and criminal digital devices in Anambra, Imo, Enugu and others. The seizure of the estimated N600million by armed criminal syndicates affected more than 100 victims forced at gunpoint to pay the ransoms demanded, which heightened between December 28, 2024, and January 18, 2025; a period  that marked the peak of the two festivities during which members of many South-East families returned home for post-Christmas and New Year activities including burials, funerals, marriage ceremonies, town union meetings, etc. Among the five South-East States, the worst hit was Anambra where estimated N250million or more was seized from kidnap victims through their relatives, friends and associates; out of which Aguata, Orumba North and Orumba South Local Government Areas took the lead with not less than N150million including N35million paid at gunpoint by relatives and associates of a multimillionaire businessman between Ezinifite, Igboukwu and Uga on Dec 28, 2024; N16million (N8m each) paid at gunpoint by parents and other relatives of two siblings abducted on Dec 29, 2024 in the area and not less than N25m paid by relatives and associates of four others abducted same day in the area.

On Jan 16, 2025, another indigene of the area was abducted and released the next day after millions of naira found in his account was transferred out at gunpoint. On Dec 28, 2024, not less than five indigenes of Achina were targeted and abducted at a relaxation joint located between Amesi and Umuchu and held captive in kidnappers’ den for several days until their relatives and associates coughed out tens of millions of naira for their release. Elsewhere around Urum part of the State, a Reverend Father was abducted and later freed after his friends and associates paid N20million, during which a man who was held with him paid N10.3m. A United Kingdom-based businessman was abducted on Jan 10, 2025, at Amaokpala in Orumba North of Anambra State. He had returned for funeral service of his cousin and was freed after three days on payment of undisclosed millions of naira.  Before then, a lady banker was abducted on Dec 13, 2024, and held for days, and later killed and dumped by her captors along a popular roadside after sources said her abductors collected N25million ransom and went ahead to kill her. There were also two Catholic nuns abducted on Tuesday, Jan 7, 2025, along Ufuma Road in Orumba North, and freed six days after, but it was unclear if ransoms were paid before they were released.  These are just to mention but a few.

 Kidnappers in the South-East also made Imo State the second worst hit State in twenty days of Dec 28, 2024 and January 18, 2025, during which not less than N150million was seized from kidnap victims at gunpoint; followed by Enugu State with estimated N100million including tens of millions of naira strongly believed to have been seized by Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen from freed victims of three 18-Seater busloads of passengers abducted at Enugu-Ezike in Igbo Eze North of Enugu State on Thursday, Jan 9, 2025 involving at least 40 passengers. The passengers were traveling to Kogi and nearby northern parts when they were abducted and held for days by the Jihadists during which their mobile phones and other valuables were seized and dispossessed; and all the monies in their accounts transferred out. Parents and associates of some of the victims were also believed to have hurriedly transferred tens of millions of naira to have their loved ones freed.

Abia and Ebonyi States also grappled with kidnap-for-ransom particularly along their highways, urban centers and farmlands by Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen, communal warlords and allied others; accounting for not less than N100million under 20 days of December 28, 2024, and January 18, 2025. In all, nothing less than N600million was lost to Jihadist kidnappers and others drawn from Counterfeit Biafra Agitators and “street criminal entities” thriving in kidnapping syndicates in 20 days of December 28, 2024, and January 18, 2025. Generally, nothing less than N1.2billion was most likely to have been lost to kidnappers by defenseless South-Easterners in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025 in the Region.

 180 Defenseless Civilians Killed In Two Months (Dec 2024 And Jan 2025)

By our findings derived from our December 22, 2024, Special International Report (“Ocean Of Innocent Blood Flowing In Eastern Nigeria”: 282 Pages, not less than 180 defenseless citizens of the South-East were attacked and killed in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025. The breakdown shows that armed non-state actors took responsibility for at least 140 defenseless civilian deaths; during which Imo State was the worst hit with not less than 70 deaths, followed by Anambra with at least 40 deaths and Enugu, Abia and Ebonyi accounting for the remaining 30 deaths. Among the not less than seventy  defenseless civilian deaths recorded in the hands of armed non-state actors in Imo State, at least 45 including women and children were killed in four communities in Orsu Local Government Area where many of them were mowed down and inflicted with savagely matchet cuts and gun attacks.

 Their gruesome murder had taken place between Jan 5 and 8, 2025, during which, according to eyewitnesses spoken to by the Intersociety, eighteen defenseless persons including women and children were mowed down in Ihitenansa, eight in Eziawa, nine in Umuhu-Okabia, six in Ebenato and one person in Awo-Idemmili. The killings have since continued including killing of at least two persons on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, in Orsu-Ihiteukwa part of the Local Government Area. In Anambra State, the not less than 40 killed included at least ten in Ihiala on December 30, 2024; during which a Reverend Father was days earlier shot and killed in the area. A female banker was also among those killed in the State during the period as well as scores of others abducted by kidnappers and killed in their dens.

 The security forces including military personnel, police crack squads and sub-state actor killer vigilantes accounted for not less than 40 civilian deaths across the South-East during the period. The 40 civilian deaths in the hands of the security forces represented those killed outside the law or due process and their killings ‘weaponized’ to justify their atrocious killing. Among them are not less than eight recently killed in Imo State by police crack squads and another eight killed by the Anambra Vigilante Service on Tuesday, Jan 28, 2025 in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State; in addition to scores of others abducted by military personnel and police crack squads  who are unlikely to come back alive.

200 Defenseless Civilians Abducted In December 2024 And January 2025:

The Nigerian Security Forces (military personnel, police crack squads and sub-state actor killer vigilantes), the Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen and allied others, ‘Street Violent Criminal Entities’ and armed Counterfeit Biafra Agitators have separately been responsible for abduction of no fewer than 200 members of the South-East civilian population across the Region in the past two of December 2024 and January 2025; out of which about 160 were abducted by armed non-state actors and 40 others abducted and taken to unknown destinations outside the knowledge of their families and official records. Many of the 40 security forces abductees were those taken away outside the law by military personnel while the remaining ones got missing in the hands of police crack squads. It must be clarified that killing members of civilian population or unarmed citizens suspected to have offended criminal law, before or after their arrest is a serious criminal offense in Nigeria and under international law. Weaponization of crime detection and law enforcement operations is also a serious criminal offense; likewise, killings involving sub-state actor vigilantes disempowered by law to kill, detain, investigate and prosecute. Arresting civilian citizens and taking them away without the knowledge of their families and outside official records clearly amount to enforced disappearances which could lead to extrajudicial, extra jus and extralegal executions.

Further, the breakdown of the abduction of estimated 160 defenseless civilians of the South-East Trado-Judeo-Christian faith and extraction by armed non-state actors across the South-East in the past two months of December 2024 and January 2025 included estimated 60 abducted in Anambra State, 50 abducted in Imo State, 40 abducted in Enugu State and the rest abducted in other parts of the South-East. Also observed was the fact that more than 95% of the 160 abductees by armed non-state actors were forced to pay ransoms through their relatives, friends and associates. In Anambra State where at least 60 were abducted, Aguata, Orumba North and Orumba South accounted for not less than 30 including a retired Anglican Bishop, two Catholic nuns, seven persons abducted between Ezinifite, Igboukwu and Uga, six persons abducted between Amesi and Umuchu, one abducted at Amaokpala, etc.  Imo State with not less than 50 abductees included those abducted for ransom along the State’s highways and its troubled local government areas and communities. In Enugu State with at least 40 abductees, the most noticeable was the abduction on January 13, 2025 of at least 40 travelers by Jihadist Fulani Herdsmen in Enugu-Ezike part of the Igbo Eze Local Government Area.

 There is likelihood of others representing “dark figures of crime” involving unrecorded victims abducted by Jihadists and other criminal entities on their way to 2024 Christmas and 2025 New Year holidays or while returning back from to their bases from the same particularly along the highways. Other victims were those recorded in the remaining parts of the South-East especially along their highways.

 Signed:

For: International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety)

Emeka Umeagbalasi, M.Sc.

Criminologist and Graduate of Security Studies

Board Chair, International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law

 Chinwe Umeche Esquire (LL. B, BL)

Head, Democracy and Good Governance Program

International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law

 Chidinma Udegbunam Esquire (LL. B, BL)

Head, Campaign and Publicity

International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law

 Obianuju Joy Igboeli Esquire (LL. B, BL)

Head, Civil Liberties and Rule of Law

International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law

Digital Contacts: 

Mobile/WhatsApp Lines: +2348174090052

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://intersociety-ng.org

 Further References: 

1.       Digital Link To Our Mother Report: “Ocean Of Innocent Flowing In Eastern Nigeria”: https://intersociety-ng.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/NIGERIA-OCEAN-OF-INNOCENT-BLOOD-FLOWING-IN-THE-EAST-oringinal_11zon.pdf

2.       Digital Link To The Executive Summary Of “Ocean Of Innocent Blood Flowing In Eastern Nigeria”: https://intersociety-ng.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/Executive-Summary-Of-Ocean-Of-Innocent-Blood-Flowing-In-The-East.pdf

 3. Digital Link To Our Human Rights Handbook: “Human Rights Made In Nigeria”: https://intersociety-ng.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/HUMAN-RIGHT-MADE-IN-NIGERIE_compressed.pdf

 4.  Digital Link To The International Joint Solidarity Statement By 27 International Human Rights Experts And Other Respected Persons/Groups Backing The Reports: 

https://intersociety-ng.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/International-Press-Release.pdf

Unite Across All Faction In Six Months Or Risk Losing Relevance In Igbos Affairs — IPOB Charges Ohanaeze Ndigbo

 Unite Across All Faction In Six Months Or Risk Losing Relevance In Ndi Igbo Affairs — IPOB Charges Ohaneze 

The Indigenous People Of Biafra (IPOB) movement has taken a swipe at the Ohanaeze Ndigbo sociocultural group for not upholding the obligations expected of it and allowing itself to be divided by external forces and used for selfish political ulterior agenda against the interests of Ndigbo, vowing to no longer tolerate the irresponsibility of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo. 

In a statement issued by the IPOB media and publicity secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the movement decried the divisiveness and docility of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, charging them to mend fences amongst factions and provide a consensual leader of all divides within six months. 

The statement cited the recently concluded Ohanaeze Ndigbo president-general elections where three contestants were declared winners by their respective factions as the height of lack of organizational discipline and coordination in the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, alluding that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo has been hijacked by politicians in the South-East and the federal government. 

"The global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) worldwide has called on the Ohaneze Ndigbo Social Cultural Group to tell Ndigbo, who is their authentic President General worldwide."

"The unfortunate turn of events in the last Ohaneze Ndigbo's election where three(3) Igbo sons from Ikwere land in Rivers State  claimed to have been elected as the Ohaneze Ndigbo President General is of serious concern to all." 

"Senator Azubuike Azuta Mbata, Barr. Dim Uche Okwukwu and Jack Omenazu were all declared winners from different factions of Ohaneze Ndigbo. We call on Ohaneze Ndigbo members to rally together and reach a consensus on who the President General of Ohaneze Ndigbo is." 

"We call on Ohaneze Ndigbo members to mend their fences with their many factions and present to Ndigbo a consensus  President General or risk being relegated to the background in the affairs of Ndigbo worldwide. IPOB and its leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU will not allow Ohaneze Ndigbo to operate in this form." 

"IPOB has followed the activities of Ohaneze Ndigbo in the last 8 years and found out that the Ohaneze Ndigbo group has been hijacked and polarized by the Nigerian government and their proxy actors, Igbo governors and other Igbo politicians." 

"The various factions that exist in Ohanaeze Ndigbo today are because of the overbearing influence from the Nigerian government via their proxy Igbo politicians,"the statement read in part. 

According to IPOB, the Ohaneze Ndigbo should have replaced the defunct Igbo Union of 1945 in representing and discharging the sociocultural responsibilities to the Igbo nation but failed to do so as a result of political hijacking and polarization. Thus, vowed to intervene if leadership sanctity is not restored in Ohaneze Ndigbo in the next six months. 

"IPOB and its leader Mazi Nnamdi KANU thought Ohaneze Ndigbo Social Cultural group would have replaced the Igbo union of 1945.

"But, it is very sad that Ohaneze Ndigbo has turned to a political group instead of a social cultural group that ought to defend Igbo interest on every level. This sad development has made Ohaneze Ndigbo a stooge to the state governors and other politicians who work for the Fulani government of Nigeria. The Ohaneze Ndigbo has lost her voice to speak the truth to powers." 

"Therefore, IPOB calls on the Igbo Elders Forum, Igbo Traditional Rulers, responsible politicians, religious leaders, Ohaneze Ndigbo Youth Leaders, and so on to intervene in this matter." 

"The factionalization tactics that the Nigerian government and her proxy Igbo politicians tried to create in IPOB without success, they have successfully carried out in Ohanaeze Ndigbo. The responsible members of Ohaneze Ndigbo must fight to rescue themselves. If possible, they (Ohaneze Ndigbo) should organize another open and transparent election among the three people concerned." 

"If Ohaneze Ndigbo members fail to resolve their election dispute peacefully, it means they are incapable of speaking for Ndigbo. IPOB might be forced to take drastic decisions against Ohaneze Ndigbo and their activities in Biafra Land."

"IPOB is waiting and hoping that the Ohaneze Ndigbo will, within six months, resolve their leadership quagmire, or they will lose their relevance."

Family Writers Press International

The Accusation Against IPOB: Is VDM Simply Clueless or Indirectly Hinting at His Sponsor's Script?

 The Accusation Against IPOB: Is VDM Simply Clueless or Indirectly Hinting at His Sponsor's Script?

In recent times, the blackmailing narrative of  Nigeria government against the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB) has become increasingly contentious, with various persons being mobilised to weigh in on the movement's legitimacy and motives. One such persons is a Nigerian social media celebrity VeryDarkMan(VDM), who has been in conversations for his malicious accusation against IPOB, claiming that the organization is destabilizing Southeast Nigeria.

However, a closer examination of his statement and body language while he spoke, raises questions about the motivations behind his claims and whether he is merely echoing a script written by unseen sponsors with vested interests in discrediting the Biafran freedom movement.

VDM's assertion about IPOB being a destabilizing force in the Southeast aligns closely with narratives often propagated by governmental authorities. This raises red flags and prompts an examination of whether his claims are truly his own or if they are part of a larger agenda designed to delegitimize a peaceful movement that seeks justice and self-determination for the Biafra Nation. The timing of such accusation, amidst ongoing tensions and political strife in the region, suggests that they may be strategically aimed at diverting attention from the real issues at hand. The agendists wants to manipulate the public into wrongly and ignorantly discussing about peaceful IPOB while they(the agendists) continue to perpetrate crimes in the region. 

It is worthy to note that IPOB have clarified severally with evidences that the chaos in Southeast Nigeria is not a product of the movement, but rather a result of government-sponsored provocateurs who aim to create discord and justify heavy-handed responses. Governor Hope Uzodimma also in one of his public addresses equally stated it clearly that the crimes being committed in his state in particular, are not committed by IPOB. But unfortunately, the Nigerian media and people like VDM cannot see those glaring vindications of IPOB because they are working on a dirty agenda. 

By accusing IPOB of destabilization, it shows that VDM is a pawn in the hands of those who wish to suppress dissent voices and maintain the status quo. This tells that his accusation is  not only a reflection of his hateful views, but he is simply a mouthpiece for a script designed to undermine the aspirations of the Biafran people.

In a society where narratives can be shaped by those in power, it is crucial for individuals to critically assess the motivations behind such public rant.

Furthermore, the implications of VDM's accusations extend beyond just his personal views; they resonate with a larger audience that may not fully understand the complexities of the IPOB movement. This can lead to misinformation. Let us state it clearly to all who may not know, that the Biafran struggle is rooted in historical grievances and a legitimate desire for autonomy through a legitimate process. So, reducing it to mere destabilization ignores the broader context of the struggle and diminishes the voices of those advocating for meaningful change. The spiteful statement of VDM is potentially scripted by the government towards impacting negatively on the discourse surrounding such a significant movement as IPOB. 

The government has bought over VDM, seeing how he is manipulating a large mass of the jobless Nigerian youths on social media, thinking that aligning him with the government narratives can alienate supporters of IPOB and those who advocate for the rights of the Biafran people.

The Biafran nation is not merely a political issue; it embodies a historical and cultural identity that many hold dear. By dismissing IPOB's efforts as mere destabilization, VDM tends to undermine the legitimate concerns of countless individuals who have faced marginalization and injustice. This dismissal not only perpetuates a harmful narrative but also distracts from the real issues that need to be addressed, such as economic disparities, security challenges, and the demand for self-determination. This is very wrong. 

Therefore, these social media celebrities and their likes should get civil in their reasoning and know that as the discourse around IPOB continues to evolve, it is crucial for all stakeholders—activists, influencers, and the general public—to engage in informed discussions rather than propagate government scripted rhetoric. 

As the Biafran nation continues the quest for self-determination, IPOB is focusing on the unity of all clans in the Biafran Nation, understanding, and advocacy for justice, rather than some cheap divisive rhetoric. The conversation around IPOB and her goals should prioritize the voices of those directly impacted by the movement and the historical context that shapes it. By fostering a more informed and respectful dialogue, we can move toward a future where the rights and aspirations of all are recognized and respected. So, it is crucial to challenge narratives that seek to diminish this struggle.

We must remain vigilant against misinformations coming from clueless and misguided voices of government agents as  VDM. We must stand united in the quest for a better tomorrow for the Biafran nation, and other entrapped ethnic nations in the British contraption, Nigeria.

Family Writers Press International

BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Insists On Recusal Of Binta Nyako From Case, As Court Fixes Proceedings Date

 BREAKING: Nnamdi Kanu Insists On Recusal Of Binta Nyako From Case, As Court Fixes Proceedings Date 

The incarcerated leader of the Indigenous People Of Biafra, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu has insisted that the recusal of the former presiding judge at the Nigerian federal high court, Justice Binta Nyako must be upheld as date for resumption of his legal tussle with the Nigerian government draws near. 

This was made known by his lead counsel, Barr Aloy Ejimakor on his X official handle after his routine visit on Wednesday, 22th January 2025. 

Recall that on 24th September 2024, amidst court proceedings the IPOB leader accused Justice Nyako of bias and prejudice, demanding her recusal from his case after 8 years of inconclusive precedence. The judge obliged and acknowledged the prayer of Mr Kanu, accepting to step down. 

However, the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court, John Tsoho has been alleged of reassigning the case to Mrs Nyako even after her unanimous decision to withdraw from the case. 

Hence, the IPOB leader according to his recent publicized opinion through his legal representative maintains his grounds of appeal that the recusal of Mrs Nyako from his case should be upheld by the Chief Judge of the Federal High Court. The IPOB leader also instructed his legal team to commence countervailing actions to ensure that the reassignment of the case to another Judge is upheld.

"Due to its constitutional implications, Onyendu instructed the legal team to take certain countervailing steps to ensure that his case is not handled by the same Justice Binta Murtala-Nyako who had withdrawn from the case by virtue of the order of recusal entered on 24th September 2024." 

The press statement allured that the reversion of the case to Justice Nyako's table would be a legal abberation and imply that the decision cementing the recusal order has been violated.

"The point was stressed that should the case still lie with Justice Murtala-Nyako, it would mean that the same court is disobeying an order that it made. We are therefore looking forward to going to court as long as another Judge of the Federal High Court is assigned to the case." 

Alternatively, the statement suggested the case being transferred to Eastern Nigeria (the homestead/region of the IPOB Leader) if the federal high Court has lost confidence in other judges on the bench at the federal capital territory, Abuja. 

"If no other Judge in Abuja is willing to handle the case, the Chief Judge is free to transfer the case to Umuahia, Awka, Enugu, Asaba, Port Harcourt or any other Federal High Court within the former Eastern Nigeria where the offenses were alleged to have happened or allegedly had impact," the statement concluded. 

Family Writers Press International.

Stay of Execution: When Justice Decides to Take a Nap

 Stay of Execution: When Justice Decides to Take a Nap

Let us break down this mystery called "stay of execution"and expose the Nigerian judiciary's knack for turning logic upside down. Shall we? 

Imagine a teacher in a classroom after an exam and subsequent suspicion that one of his student cheated during the exams after investigations concluded that he did and then announces, “Ugo, you did not cheat in the exam!  You are free to go home.” Just as Ugo grabs his bag to leave the staff room, another teacher barges in and declares, “Not so fast, Ugo! You will stay back until we are absolutely sure, the first teacher was too generous.” Ugo sits there, confused and frustrated and while the second obsessed teacher scampers all over the place looking for non-existent incriminating evidence against a student whom has been cleared of any malpractice or wrongdoing. 

This is exactly what the Nigerian judiciary has done to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu. After the Court of Appeal acquitted and discharged him, one would expect the next step to be simple: open the gates of captivity and let the man go.But no! The government, with the blessing of some rather deceptively creative judges, slapped on a "stay of execution," leaving conscious minds pondering helplessly and asking, “Where is this done?

Let's not pretend this is about justice anymore. In civilized countries, a stay of execution is used sparingly. It is meant to pause a decision temporarily in complex cases where acting too quickly could cause irreversible harm. For instance: 

- If a man is sentenced to death and new evidence comes up, you stay the execution to review the case.  

- If a house is set to be demolished, you stay the execution to ensure no one’s rights are trampled upon. 

But in Kanu’s case, the court said he’s innocent. Innocent! Unguilty as charged. What’s left to pause? Are they waiting for the sun to rise from the west? Or are they expecting the judgment to rewrite itself?   

The Nigerian judiciary operates like a palm wine tapper who climbs a tree only to cut it down while still on it. They delivered a judgment, only to block its implementation. What’s the point of wearing those flowing black robes if they’re going to treat their own laws and judicial pronouncements like a child’s toy?  

Justice Tsnami’s infamous order granting a stay of execution is a perfect example of how the law can be twisted to fit political agendas. The Appeal Court judges themselves said the government’s actions were reckless, illegal, and an abuse of power by the act of international terrorism for kidnapping and extraordinarily renditioning Mr Kanu from Kenya. Yet here we are  months later, still waiting for someone to wake up and enforce the judgment. 

This is the level of absurdity and judicial obscuriry we are forced to face in a country described most western pundits and statesmen as "the largest democracy in Africa". The judiciary, instead of being the defender of the people, has become a puppet show where strings are pulled by invisible hands.  

Mr Kanu’s recently offered N1 million to any law student who can find a precedent for his detention under the context of the "stay of execution" counter order. If Nigeria’s legal system were a student, it would fail this exam miserably. No law book anywhere supports keeping an already acquitted person in detention. But in Nigeria, common sense is not common, and the rule of law has been replaced with the rule of “wait and see.”  

Even the Constitution, the supposed supreme law of the land, has been reduced to mere decoration. Section 287(1) and (3), which mandates obedience to court orders, might as well be written on toilet paper. After all, in Nigeria, “the law is an ass” and the judiciary seems determined to ride it straight into the mud.  

  

The Nigerian judiciary is fast becoming a global comedy show. While Kanu sits in detention, the rest of us are left to wonder: Is justice still alive, or has it gone on indefinite leave? 

If this is how justice is served, then we’re all at the mercy of a system that values politics over principles and rule of law. And, those unfortunate enough to find themselves in Nigeria are doomed. 

In the words of an Igbo proverb: **“When the lizard nods its head, it isn’t always in agreement; sometimes it’s just mocking the one watching.”** Perhaps that is what the Nigerian judiciary is doing nodding at justice while laughing behind its back. However, if human-induced justice fails to discharge its duties, the rigid nature's justice system will,  and there shall be no manipulation of nature's justice. 

Family Writers Press International.

Insecurity: criminals, kidnappers, herdsmen disguise as IPOB/ESN – Security expert

 Insecurity: criminals, kidnappers, herdsmen disguise as IPOB/ESN  –  Security expert

MOST kidnapping incidents in the South East are carried out by bandits who cover the entire range of violent crimes, extort money from innocent citizens but pretend to have ties with the secessionists agitators, Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB and its military wing of Eastern Security Network, ESN, a research by experts from Nextier SPD has revealed.

The experts in an extensive research work also said that majority of those behind the insecurity in the South East have no commitment whatsoever to secession, rather their actions are all about profit from lucrative criminality.

Nextier SPD Policy in its weekly report said that though secessionist agitation exists in the South East, there are also gunmen attacks, banditry, group violence and kidnapping, adding that one group could carry out the entire set of activities.

To buttress this position, Nextier SPD noted that Fulani herder’s kidnappers are active in Enugu State, particularly the Enugu – Nsukka road, alleging that on January 9, 2025, the Fulani herders kidnapped three soldiers and more than thirty other passengers on the same road, in addition to several incidents in the preceding months of 2024.

The report was authored by Dr Ben Nwosu, an associate consultant at Nextier, senior research fellow at the Institute for Development Studies, University of Nigeria, Enugu Campus, and senior lecturer political science department, Nsukka campus and Dr Ndu Nwokolo, a managing partner at Nextier and honorary fellow at the School of Government at the University of Birmingham, UK.

Dr. Nwokolo is also a visiting research fellow at the Nathanson Centre on Transnational Human Rights, Crime, and Security at York University Canada.

In the report, titled, “Between Secessionism and Banditry in South East Nigeria,” the experts contended that “there are agitators who are committed to the course of exiting the country and working for it without engaging in criminal activities, there are criminal groups who find a convenient hiding within the secessionist struggle to engage in their activities.

“Most kidnapping incidents in the South East are carried out by bandits who cover the entire range of violent crimes, extort money from innocent citizens and have no commitment whatsoever to secession. To sum it all up, it’s about profit from lucrative criminality.”

They said that the common form of conflict which the South East region of Nigeria is associated with is secessionist agitation to restore the state of Biafra.

According to the report, “the agitators are aggressively assertive about the demand and have the Eastern Security Network (ESN) as their armed wing. However, they refute allegations of being violent agitators because, according to them, the ESN is for repelling violent Fulani herders that attack communities in the region.

“The common thinking in the South East is that the Fulani herders are responsible for all the attacks in rural communities in the forms of kidnapping, destruction of farm crops and creation of a general atmosphere of insecurity.

“This thinking appears to create a misconception about the actual state of insecurity in the South East. The blanket categorisation of most violent conflicts in the South East as secessionist-driven or that all kidnappings are Fulani-led are inaccurate.

“Approaching the solution from the prism of secessionist agitation or limited focus on the main actors in the kidnapping enterprise leads to a wrong definition of the problem and its sources. Therefore, the solution took its aims at something different from the main challenge that needs to be resolved.

“In trying to solve the security problem of the South East, what government forces contend with most times in the region is banditry, which entails robbery, forceful extortion, kidnapping for ransom (KFR), murder, arson and other forms of menace to private properties.

“At the peak of violent conflicts in the South East around 2021, the phenomenon of unknown gunmen that operated mainly in the South East became a common one in Nigeria’s security lexicon.

“The unknown gunmen are sophisticated gun criminals who are capable of very rapid sting attacks, with precision and mostly with automatic assault weapons, which they usually use to inflict fatal attacks.

“They attacked and killed several men of the armed services, especially police officers and occasionally soldiers. They also torched institutions of government.

“This period also witnessed the establishment of the operational cells of groups that purport to be the Biafran agitators. These purported agitators virtually set up operational bases in rural communities for nefarious activities.”

They quoted the Governor of Anambra State, Prof Charles Soludo, who said that hoodlums behind the attacks in the South East are criminals who have hijacked the Biafra struggle and hiding under the agitation to undertake lucrative criminality.

The governor said that the criminals engage in armed robbery, kidnapping and idolatry and justify their atrocities under the pretext of Biafra.

Continuing, Nextier SPD in the report said: “Hence, the security challenge of the South East, properly defined, is banditry. The perpetrators merely pretend to have ties with the Biafra struggle. In this edition of Nextier SPD Policy Weekly, we explore the complex intersection of secessionism and banditry in the South East of Nigeria to lay the background for a proper understanding of the genre of insecurity for a more appropriate security response. “

On the fusion of secessionism and banditry, the experts said that the incidence of attacks on rural communities and destruction of farmlands as well as rape and kidnapping by rogue pastoralists peaked around 2020.

They said, “Both the governments and security agencies appeared overwhelmed and helpless.

“The Eastern Security Network was launched by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) with the vow to protect the South East from the marauding herdsmen.

“The crises of that moment created a desperate situation in which anything that appeared like a solution was acceptable. The government’s ineffectiveness and brazenness of the violent herdsmen made the problem worse. Therefore, IPOB’s ESN appeared messianic.

“However, their emergence and the prior use of force by the IPOB to enforce their order in the region created an atmosphere in which any person or group with arms could operate freely under the guise of the Biafran struggle.

“Therefore, like the rapid proliferation of killer toxic cells, armed gangs multiplied their cells and began to carry out banditry with impunity while bearing the cover of agitators.

“Note that before the proliferation of armed herders’ attacks and kidnapping, dangerous criminal gangs had, from time to time, operated in different parts of the South East. For instance, the late Okwudili Ndiwe, aka Derico nwa mama, Chiejina, who is also deceased, and Jonathan Uzoigwe were young kingpins that terrorised Anambra State around the year 2000.

“These young men engaged in armed robbery as well as operated criminal gangs that robbed and brought returns to them. The same is true of one dreaded Abia kingpin, Mr Obioma Nwankwo alias Osisika nkwu.

“He partitioned Abia State among his men while assuming central control. They terrorised Abia with armed robbery and kidnapping for ransom. Indeed, when he was killed in 2010 in an ambush by the Military Task Force operating in Abia State at the time, thirteen kidnap victims were rescued from his den in the bush.

“From time to time, this form of gangs exist in the South East due to poor security planning in the region. They hibernate when security improves and reappears under favourable conditions. Often, they avoid areas with strong self-help security arrangements like vigilantes and thrive in more permissible environments or other vulnerable states of the region.

“Therefore, when secessionist agitation cells started, they replicated it, adopted the insignia of Biafran struggles and exploited the atmosphere of tension to unleash mayhem on the citizens of the region.

“The point being made is that these are primarily bandits. Thus, there is both active Igbo participation in kidnappings in the South East and Fulani herders component. Indeed, whichever community where the bandits have a camp, there must be a local collaborator.

“An eye-witness account of a survivor of a kidnap revealed gory details of the reckless murder of those who could not meet the payment of ransom demands of the kidnapping gang of Igbo young men, with the operational base at a rural Urum community near Awka in Anambra State.

“According to the source, the kidnappers slaughter people and sell their vital organs while dumping the other parts in a well within their enclave. Painfully, they receive ransom payments in several millions for each abductee, carry heavy arms and operate with impunity.

“At the same time, law enforcement authorities are afraid to engage them because they are not confident in their firepower and, in most cases, do not have the technology to track the criminals.

“In addition to the Anambra experience, a pocket of abductions takes place inside urban communities in Enugu State. Small intra-city mini buses, disguised as commercial vehicles, are used to pick up victims.

“In two different instances, health workers who joined such buses to go home after work ended up in the kidnapper’s den (Interview 1, Personal Communication, January 6, 2025).

“The herder’s kidnappers are equally active in Enugu State, particularly the Enugu – Nsukka road. On January 9, 2025, herders kidnapped three soldiers and more than thirty other passengers on the same road, in addition to several incidents in the preceding months of 2024.

“Hence, kidnapping by bandit herders has rendered the road a troubled axis despite being the easiest functional connection from Enugu through Nsukka to the northern part of the country.

“Secessionism, banditry, gunmen attacks and kidnapping are tangled in the South East because one may not easily isolate which of them has happened in every instance of a violent crime, especially as kidnappers are also violent bandits who, as convenience permits, lay claim to secessionist agitation.

“Therefore, when unknown gunmen attack and kill security personnel and engage in stealing or kidnapping, distinguishing them from any other agitator becomes difficult.

“Recent Joint Task Force Military Operation Udoka had discovered and destroyed camps belonging to such groups in Lilu and Enugwu Umuonyia towns in Anambra State, Ohafia in Abia state, as well as carried out rescue operations in Ajalli and Aguleri in Anambra State, Orlu in Imo State and Umuahia, Abia State capital and confirmed that the groups use these camps for kidnapping activities and extraction of ransom, yet they act as Biafran agitators.

“Two factors make these bandits operate freely in these rural communities. The first is that residents of such communities are at risk of death at the slightest suspicion of the report against the bandits. Second, they assume control of such communities and insist on being the ones to grant permissions for social events.

“Often, they insist that the host must not use formal security men. It was the refusal to conform with such order that seven persons, including police officers, were shot at Ihiala LGA of Anambra State on December 30, 2024. Third, the authorities do not respond to the security needs of the people.

“Therefore, they resign to their fate rather than confront the gang and be killed. Most importantly, an association of Biafra with the activity of any group easily makes the Igbo sentimental. The bandits understand this logic and combine it with threats to hamper intelligence gathering to prolong their survival.”

In its recommendations, Nextier SPD Policy Weekly submitted: “Based on the foregoing, the government at the federal and subnational levels should critically re-evaluate their engagement with insecurity in the South East by doing the following:

“Revisit their understanding and classification of security challenges in the South East to properly situate banditry, armed robbery, group violence and secession. By focusing a lot of firepower on secession, enough attention is not given to banditry, and this enables it to thrive.

“The government should embark on confidence-building measures and create safe spaces to support information gathering in order to engage more in intelligence-based operations.

“Reclassifying security operations as efforts to eliminate banditry and its associated kidnapping will eliminate any sentiment or sympathy that people may have for Biafra in the affected communities because they will now understand the bandits for what they are. Raising this consciousness is important to achieving the aim of community support.

“Communities should be encouraged to quietly release information on the local collaborators with bandits for arrests and furtherance of other security actions in the various camps.

“The dearth of modern equipment, arms, and protection for security forces should be addressed through enhanced procurement and the establishment of mechanisms for the proper audit of the security procurement budget.”

It advised the Nigerian government to revisit its understanding of and classification of security challenges in the South East and to embark on confidence-building measures and create safe spaces to support information gathering in order to engage more in intelligence-based operations.

It further stated that there is a need to reclassify banditry and its associated kidnapping for clarity of purpose, a need to encourage cooperation with communities towards the release of information on the local collaborators with bandits for arrests and furtherance of other security actions.

“It is important to address the shortage of modern equipment, arms, and protection for security forces,” it added.