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Pastor Kumuyi Replies IPOB, Insists On Holding Crusade In Aba Despite Opposition

The General Overseer of the Deeper Life Bible Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has insisted that the Church will go ahead with its planned crusade despite “security challenges” allegedly facing the state.

Naija News reports that the Indigenous People of Biafra had on Thursday asked Kumuyi not to hold crusade in the southeast region of Nigeria following security concerns perpertrated by “unknown gunmen”

Speaking about the development, Chairman, Global Crusade with Kumuyi, Coordinating Overseer, United Arab Emirates, in a statement signed by Pastor James Akpofure, the cleric said he is ready for the event holding from May 24.

As for the security issues, Kumuyi said that God will intervene.

The statement on Saturday partly reads: “Celebrating One Year of Global Evangelisation (Global Crusade with Kumuyi).

“We thank the Lord that the Global Crusade with Kumuyi has greatly impacted the World in the past year. This Global Crusade has touched millions of lives with signs and wonders, miracles, and deliverances, spanning participation from over 180 countries and 6 continents.

“As there are currently some security challenges at the intended alpha location (Aba,Abia State, Nigeria), the Global Crusade Convener, Pastor (Dr) W.F. Kumuyi commiserates with our people in Abia State and will be praying along for God’s Divine Intervention.

“This month, the Global Crusade themed “Jesus’ Power for Extraordinary Breakthrough” will be a celebration of one year of Global evangelization,” the statement partly read.

UK Finally Designates IPOB As Terrorist Group, Bars Members From Asylum

The United Kingdom Government may have classified the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation.

In September 2017, the Federal Government of Nigeria declared IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, a terrorist group.

Critics have long accused the UK of refusing to do the same because Kanu holds a British passport.

Kanu, who is facing charges bordering on treason, has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since repatriation in June 2021.

In December 2021, the Nigerian government urged foreign countries to also outlaw those regarded as enemies of State.

“We are lobbying our Western allies aggressively for partnership, investment and support in other areas, such as proscribing Boko Haram, bandits and IPOB as terrorist groups.

“This would severely dent their funding”, said Garba Shehu, President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman.

In an updated UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) policy, the British Home Office announced new rules.

The guidelines issued to decision makers explained how to consider and grant asylum applications to Biafra agitators.

The UK noted that IPOB and its militia, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), created in December 2020, “have reportedly committed human rights violations in Nigeria”.

Britain said though banned, Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) is not a proscribed terrorist group but “reportedly been involved in violent clashes with the authorities”.

“If a person has been involved with IPOB (and/or an affiliated group), MASSOB or any other ‘Biafran’ group that incites or uses violence to achieve its aims, decision makers must consider whether one (or more) of the exclusion clauses under the Refugee Convention is applicable.

“Persons who commit human rights violations must not be granted asylum”, the policy dictated.

Decision makers were directed to find out if asylum seekers submitted a previous application for a UK visa.

Thus, asylum applications matched to visas should be investigated before the asylum interview.

Immigration officers must consider each case on its facts, the legal status, profile and size of the organisation the person belongs and its activities.

Others are whether a person in the UK would wish to continue their activism if returned to Nigeria; whether the organisation has a presence in Nigeria, and any evidence that it is being monitored by the government.

Also for consideration are the person’s profile, activities (including online), relevant documentary or other evidence; the profile and activities of family members, among others.

TROOPS DISLODGE IPOB/ESN STRONGHOLD AT LILU FOREST IN ANAMBRA STATE

Troops of the Nigerian Army(NA) in a joint operations conducted with other security agencies have dislodged a notorious stronghold of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB) and its armed affiliate, Eastern Security Network (ESN) at Lilu Forest in Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra State. Lilu is a border town between Imo and Anambra States, which was hitherto known to be used as an operational base of the dissidents.

The operations, which was conducted in the early hours of Monday 17 January 2022, led to the neutralization of some gunmen in a fire fight that ensued.

After dislodging the dissidents from their fortress, the dogged troops recovered 10 Pump Action Shotguns, two locally fabricated guns, One Revolver pistol, rounds of 7.62 mm special, live cartridges, machettes and IPOB flags. Other items recovered are mobile phones, laptops amongst other dangerous weapons.

The operation was jointly conducted by troops of 82 Division, Nigerian Navy, 211 Quick Response Group of the Nigerian Air Force, Department of State Services and the Nigeria Police. It was a well coordinated dawn attack on the fortress, where plans were been perfected to violently enforce the illegitimate sit-at-home declaration by the irredentist groups.

ONYEMA NWACHUKWU
Brigadier General
Director Army Public Relations
18 January 2022

IPOB Leader Nnamdi Kanu Arrested

The Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, on Tuesday, said the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has been arrested.

He said the IPOB leader will soon be brought before the Federal High Court where he jumped bail.

Malami stated this at a press briefing at the Ministry of Justice in Abuja on Tuesday.

He stated that Kanu was arrested on Sunday.

Details later…

Police Fully Prepared to Protect Lagos against Planned attack by IPOB, Other groups

Police in Lagos has said it is on alert over threats by by the agitators for Oodua Republic, members of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) and 22 other groups to disrupt law and order in Lagos by attacking soft targets.

Lagos Police Commissioner, Hakeem Odumosu said this at a stakeholders’ forum on security chaired by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the state secretariat, Alausa on Monday.

“The command has taken notice of agitators for Oodua Republic by some Yoruba separatist groups and the threats to disrupt law and order in the state.

“Twenty four of these groups have been identified and being closely monitored.

“Similarly, the threat of IPOB to attack soft targets in Lagos is equally being put on the radar of the command intelligence gathering and other security services in the state.

“Strategies are being put in place to neutralise their activities,” Odumosu said.

He, however appealed to the public to be vigilant and report suspicious movements within their environments.

“The command is using this medium to solicit for the support of all and sundry to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious person or movement to security agencies. Let us adopt the slogan of “when you see something, say something.”

Details later