After three months of intensive manhunt, the Nigeria Army has announced the arrest of the Second-in-Command to the neutralised commander of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Awurum Eze.
The Director of Army Public Relations, in a statement today, May 12 said that the 48 years old Eze was arrested after escaping from his village on May 4 when the operatives of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) stormed his village house in Isiala Mbano where he was hiding.
The statement said: “the Second-in-Command to the neutralised IPOB/ESN Terrorist leader Ikonso, Awurum Eze, has been arrested by security operatives in Aba, Abia State.
“The 48-year-old Awurum Eze, a native of Umoneke Nta, Isiala-Mbano LGA, Imo State, had on the 4th of May, 2021 escaped when operatives of Intelligence Response Team (IRT) stormed his village house in Isiala Mbano where he was hiding.
“Intensive manhunt was thereafter launched towards tracing and arresting him. He was eventually apprehended on Wednesday, May 12, 2021, in Aba after weeks of unrelenting follow-ups by operatives.
“Awurum Eze is one of the main sponsors of the numerous killings in Imo State and has been on the wanted list of security agents for more than 3 months.
“Many of the arrested IPOB /ESN terrorists had earlier mentioned him as their key sponsor, mastermind and Second-in-Command to the late Ikonso. According to them, amongst all their leaders in Imo State, only Ikonso and Awurum have direct communication link with Nnamdi Kanu. He can be seen in several photographs posing with the fugitive terrorist leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
“Investigation by the combined team of security operatives continues.”
“The economic future of our nation (Nigeria) is extremely bright. Yes, we have challenges today and they may look daunting. But let me assure you that these issues will be resolved. The march of this nation to its manifest destiny as Africa’s leading economic power will not be aborted. We are more than able to overcome.” these were the words of optimism by the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo during his tour of SecureID company’s premises in Lagos yesterday, May 11. he said that the Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, “in following the recommendation of the Presidential Economic Advisory Council, has determined that manufacturing will be our main focus in bringing about dynamic growth, jobs and exports. This will mean retooling our business environment for greater competitiveness, especially with the take off of the African Continental Free Trade Area agreement. “We are rethinking our tax regimes, sorting out external and internal trade issues, getting our regulatory authorities; SON, NAFDAC, and even Customs, to see their roles more as business facilitators rather than policemen or revenue generators. Our environment must be friendly for local businesses first, foreign investments will follow enthusiastically.” On the efforts of the administration to position the country as a leading economic beacon on the continent, the Vice President said that the administration is ramping up efforts in improving the country’s infrastructure and digital space. “Aside from the work we are doing with other infrastructure such as rail, roads and power we are committed to a plan of democratizing broad band connectivity. Our programme, which we have reiterated in our Economic Sustainability Plan, is broadband connectivity for all by 2023. “The Federal Ministry of Communications and Digital Economy launched the National Broadband Plan which is designed to deliver data download speeds across Nigeria of a minimum 25mbps in urban areas and 10mbps in rural areas, with effective coverage available to at least 90% of the population at affordable prices by the target date. Broadband connectivity is as important as electricity in the digital age unlike electricity we do not have to make several mistakes before getting it right.” Osinbajo commended the efforts of the founder and Managing Director of SecureID, Mrs Kofo Akinkugbe, Prof. Osinbajo described SecureID facility as a place of history, innovation and creativity. “This world-class manufacturing facility is reputed to be the first certified smartcard manufacturing plant in sub-Saharan Africa, the only smart card production and personalization plant in West Africa and one of only six on the continent and one of only 80 in the world. “The facility serves 21 countries across Africa and is fully certified by major commercial card companies – VISA, Verve and MasterCard. SecureID has shown that this country can be at the cutting edge of development in technology and digital enterprises. The world in which companies like SecureID operates, providing comprehensive end-to-end payment, identity management and digital security solutions is one that thrives on innovation.
The Acting Inspector-General of Police, Usman Alkali Baba, has admitted that the Nigeria’s security ecosystem is challenged, but that these challenges are not insurmountable.
A statement today, May 12 by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba, quoted the police boss said that the Force under his new policing vision is already implementing new, improved, tailored-to-suit and robust security solutions aimed at tackling crimes and neutralizing both existing and emerging security threats in the country.
Usman Baba, who spoke against the background of Eid-el-Fitr celebration beginning in the next few hours, ordered a nationwide deployment of Police officers and other operational assets of the Force for water-tight security.
The IGP’s order was directed to Assistant Inspectors-General of Police, Commissioners of Police and other strategic commanders of the Force as part of efforts by the Police leadership toward stabilizing security, improving public safety and making the country a safer place for all citizens.
He restated his belief that the nation will soon overcome its security challenges, adding that the Force is equally upscaling its collaboration with the military and other law enforcement agencies in both intelligence sharing and other target-oriented missions and operations.
He enjoined citizens to support the Police to stage a common front in tackling the challenges.
The IGP reminded the citizens of the newly introduced Phase-4 National Response on COVID-19 Health Protection Regulation and called for voluntary compliance with the protocols.
He equally directed Commissioners of Police in all the States of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) to ensure full enforcement of the Protocols.
He however warned that Police officers deployed for such enforcement must do so with utmost professionalism, while exhibiting compassion, decorum and due respect for the fundamental rights of the citizens.
President Muhammadu Buhari has asked Nigerians to ignore politicians that are desperate for power through the use of blackmails.
“We should jointly pray against the tragic incidents of kidnapping and banditry and the desperate quest for political power expressed through blackmail against the existence of our country as a united entity.”
In a message of Sallah today, May 12, to Muslims across the globe, signed by him, the President wished that the Eid festival would bring with it peace, safety, security, brotherhood and love amongst all.
“Unity and solidarity among all citizens, Muslims and Christians are imperative especially at a time when our country is faced with multiple challenges which are surmountable only when we come together as one.
“It is important that we remember how we share, through our faiths, common bonds that should serve to unite us and not allow ourselves to succumb to those who seek to divide us, using our two great religions, for their own selfish advantages.
“We must resist the temptation to retreat into our communities. I urge our political and religious leaders as well as traditional rulers to encourage our citizens to turn towards one another in love and compassion.”
President is delighted to note that Christians used to breaking fast and extending goodwill and gifts to Muslim faithfuls during the Ramadan.
“This model also shone through with Muslim groups joining Christian festivities. These are practices that promote brotherhood and forgiveness.”
The President advised Nigerians also to continue to observe all COVID-19 prevention measures and celebrate responsibly during the holidays.
Delta State Police Command has cautioned police officers to stay away from the South-South and South-East region as unknown gunmen believed to be members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) continue to wreak havoc on police facilities in the region,
In a wireless message sent to officers, the command asked officers to desist from taking up escort duties to specific states in the South-South and South-East region till the region’s security situation improves.
“SECURITY GENERAL X ATTACK ON POLICEMEN / SNATCHING OF RIFLES BY IPOB X SEQUEL TO THE INCESSANT ATTACKS ON POLICEMEN / SNATCHING OF ARMS AND AMMUNITION BY THE PROSCRIBED IPOB / ESN ELEMENTS IN THE EASTERN STATES OF ABIA X ANAMBRA X EBONY! X ENUGU X IMO STATE X AND RIVERS STATE X COMPOL DOPS DIRECTS X YOU WARN PERSONNEL YOURS X THAT ESCORT OF THEIR PRINCIPALS TO THE SIX (6) EASTERN STATES IS SUSPENDED FORTHWITH UNTIL SECURITY SITUATION IMPROVES X ENSURE: * CT COMPLIANCE PLEASE XXXX,” the wireless message read.
The directive follows incessant attacks on Police and other government facilities in the South-South and South-East region by unknown gunmen. Some police officers have been killed in the last few weeks across the regions with police stations, divisional headquarters attacked, guns and ammunition snatched.
The Federal Government of Nigeria has resolved not to henceforth, make it’s security tactics in tackling the security challenges in the country public.
This is even as President Muhammadu Buhari, today, May 11, approved new security measures specifically for the South East and South South geo-political zones of the country.
The acting Inspector General of Police, Usman Baba, who spoke to newsmen today, alongside the National Security Adviser (NSA), rtd Major General Babagana Monguno, Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, after a security meeting with President Buhari, said that the meeting stressed the need to address the security challenges in the country, particularly those that have arisen in the last few months.
General Monguno said that the President gave marching orders to security chiefs to deal decisively with the emerging problems physically.
The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has said that new moon of Shawwal was not sighted today and therefore, Ramadan Fast will continue tomorrow while Eid-el Fitr festival holds on Thursday, May 13, 2021.
In a statement in Abuja today, May 11, by the Deputy Secretary-General of the group, Professor Salisu Shehu.said that the crescent has not been sighted to end Ramadan fast.
“The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) – under the leadership of its President-General and Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alh. Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, CFR, mni – wishes to inform the Nigerian Muslim Ummah that there was no proven report of the sighting of the crescent of Shawwal, 1442 AH on the 29th of Ramadan, 1442 AH.
“Ramadan fast will therefore continue tomorrow Wednesday, 12th May 2021 as the 30th day of Ramadan.
“Consequently, Thursday 13th May, 2021 is hereby declared as 1st of Shawwal, 1442 AH and the day of Eid-il-fitr.
“The Council prays that Almighty Allah accept our fasting and other virtuous acts in Ramadan and grant us all peaceful and blissful Eid celebrations.
“Wassalamu alaikum wa-Rahmatullah.”
Saudi Arabia had earlier said that it also did not sight the new moon today and therefore, the Ramadan fast will continue tomorrow, to complete 30 days.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of six kidnap kingpins responsible for abductions and kidnappings both in Gwagwalada and Kwali Council areas.
Information reaching us at Greenbarge Reporters said that the police arrested the suspects at different locations after intelligence gathering.
A senior operative involved in the anti-kidnapping operation said that the dens for keeping hostages pending payment of ransom were also discovered.
“After undertaking surveillance and intelligence gathering, the special anti-kidnapping squad of the police command successfully arrested six suspects who were behind major kidnapping and abduction at Tungan Maji in Gwagwalada and Kwaita in Kwalli axis.
“They were arrested at different locations after tracing the hideouts where they normally kept their hostages. We are still trailing other suspects.”
President Muhammadu Buhari has visited th father of the former minister of women affairs in his first cabinet, Hajiya Aisha Jummai Al-Hassan, who died recently in Cairo, Egypt.
The President, who was represented by a delegation led by the Minister of State, Works and Housing, Engineer Abubakar Aliyu, told late Aisha’s father, Alhaji Abubakar Ibrahim that the nation has lost a woman leader.
Abubakar Igrahim is Sarkin Ayyukan Muri, who received the President’s delegate along with the Emir of Muri, Alhaji Abbas Tafida and the Taraba State Governor, Architect Darius Ishaku
Buhari said: “we lost a great leader with an indomitable spirit with people, especially the womenfolk at her heart. The late Aisha Alhassan was strong, bold and people-oriented.”
President Buhari prayed to Allah to repose her soul, saying that Aisha’s death had left a huge void in Nigerian politics.
A brother of the deceased and former Senator, Abdulaziz Ibrahim who spoke on behalf of the family thanked the President for making their sister a minister and assured that they will continue to be with him.
The Emir on his part described death as inevitable. He prayed for the deceased and thanked the President for his support to the people of the state.
He advised him to remain calm and steadfast and act decisively to deal with the enemies of the state who he blamed for the security challenges facing the nation.
Governor Ishaku described the late Minister as one of the closest persons to him: “Once she is committed to something, she remains consistent. She was a great mobilizer. She served well as minister and did not speak lies.”
The Governor expressed the appreciation of his administration to the President for the confidence he has in him. “We appreciate Mr. President. He cares about us,” said the Governor and expressed his happiness that he did not disappoint the President by bringing back peace to the Mambilla plateau. “Mambilla is peaceful today,” he said, hoping that the solidarity and friendship between the state and the centre will continue.
Other members of the delegation were Barrister Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi, Minister of State, Science and Technology and the Senior Special Assistant to the President, Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
The Spiritual Director of the Adoration Ministry Enugu, Father Ejike Mbaka has shut down the church over the crisis brewing between him and Bishop of Enugu Catholic Diocese, Callistus Onaga.
Father Mbaka, in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists said that the ministry would be shutdown till June 10, 2021.
Although there were insinuations that the development followed a suspension placed on the Adoration Ministry by the bishop, Mbaka, in the statement, explained that he took the decision because he was embarking on a private prayer ‘retreat for penance and atonement.’
The private prayer for penance and atonement might have been informed by the ‘seven-day fasting and prayer for atonement and reparation’ declared by Onaga in the Enugu Catholic Diocese after Mbaka’s supporters, mostly worshippers at the Adoration Ministry, attacked the Bishop’s Court and the Bishop’s official residence. The attacks had occurred after it was rumoured that Mbaka was abducted and detained in the facility, on May 5.
The irate worshippers had destroyed valuables and property in the residence and also desecrated the holy altar at the diocesan cathedral, and only Mbaka’s timely reappearance stopped them from wreaking more havoc.
Although Mbaka, as a priest of the Catholic Church, is subject to the authority of the bishop and the overall hierarchy of the Catholic Church, he runs the Adoration Ministry as a private worship centre.
Also, from all indications, members of the Adoration Ministry, most often referred to as ‘Adorers,’ only recognise Mbaka’s authority and are not likely to submit to the dictates of the bishop and other authorities of the Catholic Church.
Parts of the statement entitled ‘Notice to all adorers,’ which announced the shutdown of the Adoration Ministry read, “Our Spiritual Director, Rev Fr Ejike Mbaka, wishes to inform his beloved adorers that he has embarked on a private prayer retreat that will end on 10th June 2021.
“Consequently, no ministry activities shall be held in the ministry ground pending his return.
“He directs that members of the ministry are to observe this period of his retreat as they used to do during the usual January breaks of the ministry, by praying at their homes, being charitable and fasting according to their ability.”
The shutdown of the Adoration Ministry appears to be the culmination of events which commenced after Mbaka criticised President Muhammadu Buhari for failing to guarantee security in the country.
Mbaka, who was among Buhari’s strongest supporters in the 2015 and 2019 elections when he described the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate as the country’s messiah, in a recent sermon, said God was angry with the president over his inability to address high level of insecurity in the country.
Reacting, the Presidency tried to cast doubts on Mbaka’s integrity, accusing the cleric of being angry with Buhari because the president refused to give him contacts in return for his support during the 2015 election.
Mbaka also attracted the anger of the Nigerian government and the leadership of the Catholic Church after he expressed support for the leader of the secessionist group, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.
He later revealed, after his supporters alleged that he was abducted when he was invited to a meeting with the Enugu Catholic bishop, Onaga, that the leadership of the Catholic Church in Enugu planned to keep him away from the public for 30 days, and then send him away to Rome over his comments on Buhari and Kanu.
The temporary closure of the Adoration Ministry is coming about 48 hours after Mbaka apologized for the conduct of his members. He also dismissed the widely held view among members of the Catholic Church that he was not obedient to the leadership of the church.
Authorities of Catholic Church had, on several occasions, warned Mbaka to desist from getting involved in politics. But the priest had continued to wade into politics with highly controversial sermons and prophecies.
“I do not disobey the church, who am I? How can someone who has been serving the church for nearly 26 years come out and begin to fight the same church? Everything in my life is for the church,” Mbaka said while apologising in a sermon on May 9.
The leadership of the Enugu Catholic Diocese has been engaged in a long running ‘battle’ with Mbaka as the church tries to keep the controversial priest in line.
In 2016, Mbaka was transferred out of the Christ the King Parish, GRA, Enugu, where he served for over a decade and had established the Adoration Ministry, to a new post, Our Lady Parish, in Emene, Enugu.
Although the transfer of priests was a normal practice in the Catholic Church, Mbaka and his supporters kicked against the development.
Mbaka said the transfer was a calculated move to make him suffer.
At the time, it was also insinuated that the transfer was aimed at ‘killing’ the Adoration Ministry by removing Mbaka from its location, but the worship centre continued to thrive after the priest moved the Adoration Ground to a new place at Emene, in Enugu.
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The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA) has said that new moon of Shawwal was not sighted today and therefore, Ramadan Fast will continue tomorrow while Eid-el Fitr festival holds on Thursday, May 13, 2021.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has announced the arrest of six kidnap kingpins responsible for abductions and kidnappings both in Gwagwalada and Kwali Council areas.
