Connect with us

News

FG blames Kanu for 233 security operatives killed during #EndSARS protests

Published

on

Detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu

By Agency Report

Federal Government’s fifth prosecution witness, PW-5, on Thursday, alleged that 233 security operatives were killed during #EndSARS protest as a result of incitement by Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.

The witness, a State Security Service, SSS operative, identified as EEE for security reasons, stated this while being led in evidence by FG’s lawyer, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, SAN, before Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

He also told the court that at least 164 police stations and nine Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)’s offices across the states were destroyed due to Kanu’s inciting remar

The witness said he knew Kanu through the mass media and had not met him personally.

While giving the breakdown through the report tendered by Awomolo and admitted in evidence as exhibit, the official said that 186 police officers, 37 military officers and 10 DSS operatives were killed during the mayhem in the South East and other parts of the country.

He said he was instructed to lead a team comprising officers of the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and DSS, including photographers and other Investigators, to gather records of the criminality that occured between 2020 and 2021 during the #EndSARS movement.

“The assignment included taking records from heads of security agencies in the various states that we visited and update death certificates of security agents that died and report of damage to properties during the EndSARS protest.

“There are photographs of public properties destroyed, the death certificates of officers that died and and their pictures,” he said.

Mr Awomolo then sought the permission of the court for the report assessment on the damage recorded, death reports and certificates of death of security officers, including the certificate of compliance, to be shown to the witness and PW-5 identified them, making the lawyer to apply to tender them as evidence.

READ ALSO:  El-Rufai bags traditional Yoruba title

Kanu’s counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu, SAN, reserved their objection which they planned to raise during the adoption of their written address.

Justice Omotosho then admitted them in evidence and marked them as Exhibits PWD2, PWD2A and PWD2B respectively.

While taking the witness through Exhibit PWD2A, which is the death reports and certificates of death of security officers, the official admitted that 186 policemen, 37 military officers and 10 DSS were killed during the protest.

He also gave state by state synopsis of the number of death of security officers and the destructions recorded.

He said in Abia, eight policemen were killed, Enugu recorded 16, Imo recorded 16, Delta had eight, among others.

On the military personnel who lost their lives, he said Anambra recorded 12, Ebonyi recorded seven, Imo recorded three, Akwa Ibom had one death, etc, while DSS also lost officers in Abia, Anambra, among other states.

On the number of police stations attacked, the witness said Imo recorded 20, Cross River had five, Lagos recorded 38, Ondo recorded 11, Osun recorded 1, Ekiti had 3 and FCT recorded 1, among others, making a total of 164 police stations in all.

The PW-5 said out of the nine INEC facilities that were destroyed, Cross River recorded four, Anambra recorded one, Akwa Ibom recorded two, etc.

During cross examination, Ikpeazu asked the witness if he took part in the investigation of the charge against Kanu but he responded in the negative.

“I am not privy to the allegations but was only instructed to take records of public properties destroyed and security personnel killed during the #EndSARS protest as a result of statements made by the defendant,” he said.

READ ALSO:  Boko Haram killed over 8,000 members of my church —EYN Rev

He restated that Kanu incited the protesters to kill security agents and even instructed them on how to manufacture objects used in the protest.

When asked if it was as a result of Kanu that there was protest in Osun and the destruction of Lagos court, the witness said: “I do not know that but I was asked to obtained records as a result.”

“Was it the defendant that told the protesters to destroy Lagos court?” the lawyer asked.

“It was on record that the defendant issues directives. My task was only limited to obtaining the records as a result of #EndSARS,” he said.

“But your statement was not limited to taking records and that is why I am asking you,” Mr Ikpeazu said.

When asked if the protest was a Biafran issue, the PW-5 said: “The fact speaks for itself. Before, during and after the #EndSARS protest, the defendant made statements, urging the protesters to carry out insurrection against the Nigerian state.”Daily Nigerian merchandise

The witness also said that his aassignment was not to investigate Biafra but to obtain records relating to #EndSARS protest in which the IPOB leader made statements that led to mayhem at the time.

When asked if he had heard about Aisha Yusufu before, the witness responded in the affirmative.

“Is she an IPOB,” the lawyer asked.
“I don’t know,” he responded.
When further asked if Yesufu was Igbo, he said: “I do not think she is Igbo.”

When also asked if she is from Abia, the PW-5 said: “As I said, I have not investigated her (Yesufu) and do not know who she is.”

When asked if he was aware that the protest emanated as a result of the police brutality, he said: “As experts, we know that in every protest, there are organic issues and issues that lace around it and as experts, we are to identify the organic issues” though there might be secondary manifestations.

READ ALSO:  Ex-president Jonathan visits Tinubu at Aso Villa⁣

When asked if he knew SARS, the witness, who responded in affirmative, said: “It is Special Anti-Robbery Squad.”

When the lawyer restated that Nigerians protested as a result of their brutality, the official responded that “Nigerians were instigated by subversive elements to go against the government of the day.Daily Nigerian merchandise

He admitted that though he was aware that there were extra-judicial killings by members of SARS in Lagos, Ibadan and Ifelodun in Oyo, he said he did not have the fact.

According to the witness, those allegations were used as a pretence by subversive elements.

He said Kanu is from the South East and leader of the IPOB.

After the cross examination, Awomolo announced that the prosecution would be closing its case.

He said after the evidence of the PW-5, the prosecution was satisfied that from the avalanche of evidence tendered, including broadcasts of activities of the leader of the IPOB, the government had sufficiently satisfied the need to close its case.

“I therefore close the case,” the senior lawyer said.

After the announcement, the lead defence counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, informed the court that they would be opting for a no-case submission.

The judge then gave the defence 14 days to file and serve the prosecution with the application and also gave another 14 days to the prosecution to respond to the no-case submission, and two days for the defence to respond on points of law.

He thanked the parties for their cooperation towards ensuring a timely conclusion of the trial and adjourned until July 18 for adoption.

NAN

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

News

VIRAL VIDEO: Moment Yahaya Bello Orders Kogi State House Members to Sit on Floor, Gives Strict Directives

Published

on

IGP withdraws all policemen attached to Kogi ex-gov, Yahaya Bello

A viral video circulating on social media has captured former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello making newly elected State House of Assembly member, Hassan Shado, and his supporters sit on the floor during a meeting in Abuja.

The meeting took place at Bello’s residence on Monday, where he received members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to discuss party unity and responsibilities.

Shado, who won the Dekina-Okura II State Constituency by-election on August 16, was formally presented to the former governor.

INEC declared Shado the winner after he polled 55,073 votes, defeating Godwin Meliga of the PDP, who garnered 1,038 votes.

During the session, Bello emphasized that Shado must strictly obey the directives of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo in all legislative matters.

He drew his ear to stress the importance of cooperation, warning the lawmaker to align with Assembly decisions even when he did not fully understand them.

Bello said, “Go and cooperate with the Speaker and other members of the House of Assembly. Support Governor Ododo in everything that comes to the Assembly, even if you don’t understand it.”

Bello also reminded Shado that political victories are collective achievements.

He stated, “No candidate wins an election alone. Your people worked tirelessly from nomination to election day. Do not let them down.”

He urged inclusivity, consultation, and collective leadership, emphasizing that unity remains the key to APC’s continued success in Kogi State.

The former governor praised the people of Kogi East for demonstrating unity, which he said had been lacking in the past.

READ ALSO:  Wike should be kicked out of PDP – Ned Nwoko

He further expressed confidence that APC would retain all major political positions in upcoming elections, declaring, “Our President, Bola Tinubu, will be re-elected.

Governor Ododo will be re-elected. All our candidates will continue to win on our great party’s platform.”

Bello’s post-governorship period has been marked by controversy.

The EFCC accused him of diverting over N110 billion from Kogi State coffers during his tenure.

He evaded multiple court summons and even a failed arrest in Abuja that led to a shootout. Ultimately, Bello surrendered to the EFCC on November 26, 2024, after months of avoiding legal proceedings.

Despite his legal troubles, Bello maintains influence over APC lawmakers in Kogi and continues to assert political authority, as shown in the recent video with Shado.

Watch the video below.

Continue Reading

Africa

Why Every Nigerian Should Learn Combat Skills — CDS

Published

on

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has urged all Nigerians to acquire combat skills such as Karate, Taekwondo, and Judo to protect themselves in the face of increasing danger.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, August 21, General Musa likened learning martial arts to other essential survival skills, including driving and swimming.

“That one should be taken as learning driving, learning how to swim.

Whether we have war or not, it is a survival instinct,” he said.

He added that in Europe, swimming and basic security education are compulsory because citizens must understand and practice personal safety.

The defence chief emphasised that the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) should incorporate unarmed combat training into its programme to prepare graduates for real-world threats.

He explained, “That’s what the NYSC is supposed to do, but the NYSC has been watered down to three weeks. Self-defence is very important.

Unarmed combat, swimming, driving these are critical aspects of human survival. We should never take them for granted because they prepare us for the future.”

General Musa further encouraged Nigerians to remain situationally aware of their environment, alerting authorities to any suspicious activities or individuals.

He said, “The world we are in now is dangerous. We have individuals who don’t mean people well. They kill for whatever reason.”

Highlighting evolving threats, General Musa disclosed that terrorists increasingly use gold to finance their operations.

He noted that complex international networks make it difficult to immediately expose or prosecute these financiers. “Gold is the main source.

READ ALSO:  Boko Haram killed over 8,000 members of my church —EYN Rev

They circulate it through various channels, including foreign links, which complicates intervention,” he explained.

General Musa acknowledged that bad roads and challenging terrains hinder rapid military response to attacks.

He said, “Many Nigerians expect immediate intervention from the Armed Forces without understanding the logistical challenges. By the time information reaches us, terrorists have already struck and vanished because they move more quickly in these regions.”

He added that improvised explosive devices (IEDs) in the North-East further slow troop movement.

Regarding the Southeast, General Musa noted that the arrest of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland in November 2024 has improved security in the region.

He said, “Troops are actively pursuing Ekpa’s lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states. We will continue operations until all threats are neutralised.”

The CDS also praised the synergy among the Nigerian Army, Air Force, and Navy, which led to the arrest of Ansaru terrorist leaders, describing it as a major success in the fight against terrorism.

General Musa concluded by announcing an African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference to foster continental collaboration and enhance regional security efforts.

Continue Reading

Health

Police Arrest Fake Doctor as Woman Dies During Abortion

Published

on

Detectives from the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested a man posing as a medical doctor following the death of a 35-year-old woman, Blessing Sunday Etim, during an alleged illegal abortion.

The suspect, identified as Sunday Okon Akpan, reportedly owns and operates the Full Life Medical Centre (FLMC) in Ikot Obio Odongo, Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Timfon John, the spokesperson for the Akwa Ibom Police Command, revealed that police launched a search for the victim after receiving a distress call from her mother.

DSP John stated that operatives acted quickly following the report, which indicated that Blessing had gone to work at the FLMC and never returned.

According to police reports, the suspect attempted to secretly dispose of the victim’s body in her room.

A co-tenant, who witnessed the act, raised an alarm, forcing the suspect to abandon the corpse and flee the scene.

Police quickly arrived at the scene, where detectives discovered a premature foetus, confirming the occurrence of an illegal abortion.

Police traced and arrested Sunday Okon Akpan, a resident of Afaha Offiong village, Nsit Ibom LGA.

Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect is not a licensed medical doctor or nurse but a community health practitioner who allegedly used his clinic to perform illegal medical procedures, including abortions.

The health centre has since been found abandoned.

DSP John confirmed that the victim’s body has been deposited at a morgue for preservation and autopsy, while investigations continue to uncover more details surrounding the incident.

She also promised to update the public as the probe progresses.

READ ALSO:  El-Rufai bags traditional Yoruba title

This shocking incident highlights the dangers of unlicensed medical practitioners operating clinics and offering illegal procedures.

Police authorities are warning residents to verify the credentials of anyone offering medical services and to report suspicious activities to prevent similar tragedies.

As the investigation unfolds, Akwa Ibom police have vowed to ensure that justice is served, and the public remains safe from unqualified medical practitioners operating in the state.

Continue Reading

News

Trump Orders Review of 55 Million US Visa Holders in Mega Crackdown

Published

on

The Trump administration has announced a sweeping review of more than 55 million foreigners holding US visas, aiming to identify potential violations that could trigger visa revocation or deportation.

In a statement to The Associated Press, the State Department confirmed that all visa holders are now subject to “continuous vetting.”

Officials will examine any indicators of ineligibility, including overstaying authorised periods, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engagement in terrorism, or support for terrorist organisations.

If authorities find evidence of such violations, they will revoke the visa, and individuals already in the US could face immediate deportation.

Officials stressed that the review targets both individuals residing in the United States and those holding multiple-entry visas abroad.

Since assuming office, President Donald Trump has prioritized strict immigration enforcement, targeting not only undocumented migrants but also holders of student and visitor exchange visas.

The current vetting process extends far beyond prior reviews, potentially affecting individuals who initially received approval to stay in the US.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, last year the US had 12.8 million green-card holders and 3.6 million people on temporary visas.

Immigration policy expert Julia Gelatt of the Migration Policy Institute noted that the 55 million figure likely includes individuals living abroad with tourist or business visas. She questioned whether allocating resources to review people unlikely to return justifies the scale of the initiative.

Alongside the review, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced on X that the US will immediately halt work visas for commercial truck drivers, citing safety risks and threats to American jobs.

READ ALSO:  Dutch League: Fortuna FC fields 12 players in Heerenveen draw

“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on US roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio wrote.

The administration recently strengthened English proficiency requirements for foreign truckers following incidents where language barriers contributed to accidents. State Department officials confirmed they are pausing the processing of new work visas to reassess screening and vetting protocols.

“Ensuring that every driver meets the highest standards protects American workers and maintains a secure, resilient supply chain,” the department added.

Experts warn the broader implications of the review could ripple across the US economy. Edward Alden, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, explained that the administration’s policies aim to discourage companies, universities, and hospitals from employing foreign workers.

“The economic consequences will extend far beyond individual visas,” Alden said, emphasizing that employers risk compliance issues if they continue hiring foreign staff.

The review represents the most comprehensive enforcement action in recent US history and signals that the administration will aggressively monitor both legal and temporary visa holders to maintain national security and prioritize domestic employment.

Continue Reading

News

2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

Published

on

Labour Party vice presidential candidate, Senator Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed

The 2023 Labour Party (LP) vice-presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed, has warned Nigerians that the opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is giving false hope about rescuing the country from underdevelopment.

“They are deceiving us,” Baba-Ahmed said during an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Friday.

Baba-Ahmed, who ran alongside Peter Obi in the 2023 presidential election won by Bola Tinubu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) expressed his willingness to be Obi’s running mate in the 2027 presidential election.

Although Obi has shown interest in the 2027 race and is aligning with ADC coalition figures such as David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Nasir el-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rauf Aregbesola, Baba-Ahmed stressed that he wants Obi to remain in the Labour Party and contest as its presidential candidate.

“I’m in the Labour Party. I’m a Peter Obi man. I still want Peter Obi to come back to the Labour Party and contest the 2027 election,” Baba-Ahmed stated.

When asked about his plans for the 2027 race, Baba-Ahmed confirmed his readiness to serve as a running mate for like-minded leaders committed to restoring Nigeria.

“If Nigeria is still around and there is an electoral system to follow, my love for Nigeria is undying.

I would appropriately associate with groups and individuals aligned with restoring the nation,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed also revealed two potential leaders he would consider deputising, with Peter Obi being his primary choice. “The first one has not said anything.

The second one is Peter Obi. I’m always with Peter Obi until he decides not to,” he added.

Continue Reading

Latest from DDM TV

Latest Updates

VIRAL VIDEO: Moment Yahaya Bello Orders Kogi State House Members to Sit on Floor, Gives Strict Directives

Why Every Nigerian Should Learn Combat Skills — CDS

Police Arrest Fake Doctor as Woman Dies During Abortion

Trump Orders Review of 55 Million US Visa Holders in Mega Crackdown

2027: ADC Coalition Deceiving Nigerians – Baba-Ahmed

Tinubu Secures Fresh $238m Loan from Japan

‘Gate of Hell’ Will Open on Gaza’– Israeli Defence Issues Finally Warning to Hamas

NAFDAC Raises Alarm as Fake Cowbell Milk Floods Nigerian Markets

‘Misplaced Priority’: Peter Obi Blasts FG’s ₦142bn Bus Terminal Project

Why I’ll never encourage my son to visit Nigeria — Taribo West

Subscribe to DDM Newsletter for Latest News

Trending

Copyright © 2023 -2024 Diaspora Digital Media (DDM) www.diasporadigitalmedia.com. All Rights Reserved . NOTE: All opinion articles published on Diaspora Digital Media are ENTIRELY those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the publishers.

Get Notifications from DDM News Yes please No thanks