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Lawyer Alleges Multiple Assassination Attempts For Defending Biafran Agitators, Blames Ekpa For IPOB Woes

Published

6 months ago

February 5, 2025

A human rights lawyer and leading counsel for the Indigenous People of Biafra, Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has disclosed that he has survived multiple assassination attempts by both state and non-state actors due to his advocacy for the group.

Ejiofor, a Knight of St. Christopher, said he survived the attacks while defending IPOB agitators, specifically on December 2, 2019; June 6, 2021; and September 21, 2021.

He stated this while speaking to journalists after his 50th birthday celebration in Asaba, Delta State, explaining that the threats began after he accepted a legal brief from the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, in 2015, a case that many senior lawyers reportedly declined out of fear.

He said, “I accepted the legal brief pro bono because I found out that they were wrongfully arresting the agitators and locking them up for no just cause. It is not a crime for one to express his displeasure legally when things are not going the way it ought to.

“Kanu brought me in and asked me to discuss my terms. I told him that since he had sacrificed himself for the good of the Igbo cause, I would defend the same cause on a pro bono basis. So, in April 2017, I secured his release from detention.

“However, in September of that year, state actors invaded his home, killing many people around the compound before he narrowly escaped the country. After Kanu’s escape, I became the next target.

“On December 2, 2019, at the instigation of someone from my hometown in Oraifite, who acts as a ‘thin god,’ they launched a deadly attack on me at my house. The second attack on my life on June 6, 2021, was even bloodier, resulting in the killing of my assistant, whose body was taken away by the assailants. The case is still in court and the matter came up in court recently.

“The third attack on me in September 2021 saw my car riddled with bullets, but God saved me. By His special grace, I am alive today to celebrate my 50th birthday and I will forever remain grateful to the Almighty.”

On what has become the current state of IPOB and the struggle, the lawyer stated that the activities of the Finland-based Simon Ekpa gave credence to the Court of Appeal’s recent judgment affirming IPOB as a terrorist organisation.

Ejiofor insisted that Ekpa destroyed and criminalised the struggle for Biafra, adding that before now, the average person believed in the struggle for Biafra’s independence, but today, trust and confidence in the movement have declined, due to the criminal activities of the infiltrators.

He averred that Ekpa’s activities after the arrest of Kanu negatively influenced the public perception of IPOB, adding that between 2015 to 2018, every youth or reasonable Igbo person was eager to adorn IPOB regalia and anyone who could not do so, saw himself as not belonging to the Igbo struggle, but today, the reverse is the case because of the criminal activities of those who have infiltrated the struggle.

He said, “I have had the privilege of reading parts of the Court of Appeal judgment affirming IPOB as a terrorist organisation recently. I heard the observation made by one of the justices. If I may summarise, he said the concept which established IPOB was accepted by all Igbos, but in the course of the struggle, some criminal elements hijacked the process and turned it into a criminal and violent organisation.

“It was sweet, that was exactly what compelled me to get involved by defending them pro bono, because I asked, ‘Why is the government arresting them for seeking to have their state?’ which is not a crime. The last straw that broke the camel’s back was the activities of Simon Ekpa.

“When he started, I fought him in the media and went to court with him. The case is still in court. I was shouting that this man was a fraudster, and most people started attacking me, calling me a betrayal.

“Ekpa took advantage of the situation that presented itself at the time and led our people into committing crimes, acts of terrorism, kidnapping, killings, raping, and trafficking in human parts. That changed the entire orientation of the movement. It took time to explain to the average Igbo person that Ekpa was not speaking for them.

“Today, some have started realising that he caused more harm to the struggle and the entire Igbo land. Due to the situation, he recruited many IPOB members and Igbo youths and used them to commit crimes and the public then erroneously believed that the IPOB was committing these heinous acts.

“When you arrest those Ekpa criminal elements, they will say they are IPOB members. We must make a distinction between IPOB and Ekpa and his Biafra in exile group.

“Today, if a referendum is conducted, I don’t think any Igbo man would be happy to vote for the state of Biafra because of the atrocities Ekpa committed against them. How can you claim to be fighting for your people’s freedom while you are killing and kidnapping them? Ekpa destroyed the IPOB concept and implanted his criminal concept among his followers.”

He further averred that judging by Ekpa’s actions; it will be difficult to convince the court that IPOB is not a terrorist organisation, stating that Ekpa’s actions justify the Court of Appeal’s affirmation of IPOB as a violent and terrorist organisation.
(PUNCH)

News

Okpebholo Announces ‘Massive’ Youth Recruitment Into Edo Civil Service

Published

8 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced plans to recruit youths into the state civil service.

Speaking at the All Progressives Congress campaign rally in Irrua, Esan Central Local Government Area, ahead of the August 16, 2025, Edo Central Senatorial by-election, the governor said it’s part of his administration’s effort to combat unemployment and accelerate Edo’s development.

He expressed his passion for his people and an unwavering commitment to building a better future.

Unveiling his new civil service recruitment plan, the governor disclosed that he had instructed the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, to begin the process without delay.

“We are going to massively employ our young people,” he affirmed. “Creating opportunities for our youths is the greatest investment we can make for the future of Edo.”

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Edo Govt To Open Up Riverine Communities For Development — Deputy Gov

Published

9 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The deputy governor of Edo state, Hon Dennis Idahosa, has said that the Monday Okpebholo-led administration will open up riverine communities in the state for sustainable development.

According to a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Friday Aghedo, Idahosa stated this at Inikorogha in Ovia South West Local Government Area of the state during the All Progressives Congress (APC) campaign rally for Saturday’s Ovia Federal Constituency by-election.

He told the gathering that the new administration led by Okpebholo is keen to see development across the nook and cranny of the state.

He said all that was needed from the people was support and for them to be patient with the nine month old government that hit the ground running immediately after inauguration.

Idahosa described the Inikorogha community as a peace loving people that had always supported him politically and otherwise.

The deputy, who was adorned by the community in their traditional regalia said, “I have always seen myself as one of your own even before your acceptance of me with this traditional attire.”

“All I need from you is massive votes in support for the APC candidate and our governor on Saturday,” he appealed.

He assured the community that the APC candidate is going to continue with the good work he put up as the representative before his election as deputy governor.

“Our candidate, Omosede Igbinedion, is not a neophyte in the business of lawmaking. The party chose her because we are sure of her capacity to deliver.”

While addressing the people, the APC candidate promised to synergise with the deputy governor to bring laudable projects to Ovia federal constituency.

Simirlarly, a chieftain of the party in the community, Ambassador Okubo Robert promised delivery of 100 percent votes for the party.

He noted that the Inikorogha community had always supported the APC in every elections, adding that Saturday’s bye-election will not be any different.

News

How Terrorist Leader, Abubakar Abba, Was arrested – Niger Govt

Published

10 hours ago

August 13, 2025

Editor

The Niger State Government has revealed how terrorist leader, Abubakar Abba, was arrested by the Department of State Service in the state.

Abba was the leader of the Mahmuda terror groups, which pitched its tent and operated in Niger and Kwara states.

He was captured in Wawa, the Borgu Local Government Area of Niger State.

Governor Mohammed Bago’s Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, on Wednesday announced Abba’s arrest in a statement in which he said the terror kingpin had been moved to the nation’s capital, Abuja, for further investigation.

“Yes, it is true. I can confirm that the leader of Mahmuda, which is one of the most dangerous terror groups in West Africa, Abubakar Abba, has been arrested by the DSS.

“He was apprehended alive through an intelligence-led operation by the DSS.

“This is a huge victory for us as a people and as a government, and President Tinubu deserves commendation for this cheering news.

“Abba’s arrest demonstrates the commitment of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to truly ending insecurity and promoting the well-being of Nigerians,” Ibrahim said.

Mahmuda, an offshoot of the deadly Boko Haram terror group, was also believed to have ties with the Islamic State and was responsible for a series of attacks across Kwara and Niger states.

The terror group had reportedly launched two attacks in one day in Kwara state on June 3—first killing three villagers in the morning and then four more in the evening, and leaving the community in mourning.

Mahmuda’s foot soldiers, usually clad in camouflage and often riding on motorcycles, continued their rampage, with at least three villagers killed in a fresh assault.

This indicated the group’s sustained threat.

A recent large-scale attack in Kwara reportedly resulted in the killing of seven residents, while several others were abducted.

The terror group had also reportedly struck numerous villages near Kainji Lake National Park while a market in Kwara was also attacked, killing four Fulani men, a local guard, and a 19-year-old bystander.

Another attack killed 15 vigilantes in Kemanji village.

The Mahmuda terror group reportedly established bases in forested areas linking Niger, Nasarawa, Kwara, and Kogi states.

It carried out activities including illegal mining, forced labour and extortion of herders and farmers.

Meanwhile, the Niger State governor has applauded the DSS operation as a strong demonstration of President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to the safety and welfare of Nigerians.