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FG Rearrests And Arraigns IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu In Court As Nigerians React

Nnamdi Kanu

The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN, has announced the rearrest of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

He made the revelation on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, while briefing journalists. He said the IPOB leader who had jumped bail will continue his trial before the Federal High Court in Abuja where he is defending charges such as management of an unlawful society, treasonable felony, terrorism, and unlawful possession of firearms.

On how Nnamdi Kanu was arrested, Malami said it was a collaborative effort between Nigerian security agencies and Interpol.

Meanwhile, the IPOB leader appeared before Justice Binta Nyako, the presiding judge of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, June 29, 2021, amidst tight security with combat-ready security operatives stationed at the Federal High Court.

In court, the Department of State Services (DSS) prayed the court to remand the IPOB leader in their custody. The request was granted by Justice Binta Nyako, who ordered that Nnamdi Kanu be remanded in the custody of the DSS until July 26, 2021, when the trial, which began on the 14th October 2015 will be continued.

The adjournment was mainly because the defendant appeared in court without his defense attorney and Mazi Kanu is expected to contact his lawyers by July 26 with his trial will resume.

Meanwhile, the news of the arrest of the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, has generated a lot of reactions from Nigerians across the board. While some have hailed the federal government and the security agencies involved in the arrest for their decisiveness, others have lambasted the FG for treating IPOB, harshly because of its links with the South East, arguing that Boko Haram, Bandits, and Fulani Herdsmen have been given a fairer treatment.

Read Also: Nnamdi Kanu Issues Sit-At-Home Order For May 30 As DSS Warns Against Hate Speech

Apex-Igbo Organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide while reacting to the news of the rearrest of Nnamdi Kanu released a statement where it praised the FG for the ‘timely’ recapture of the IPOB leader.

The statement read:

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for calm and cautioned Igbos to desist from any form of protests and processions that will bring more catastrophe for Southeastern Nigeria.

“The re-arrest of Nnamdi Kanu the leader of IPOB is the beginning of the end of violent agitations in southeastern Nigeria and a lesson to others that, deviation from the nonviolent agitations contradicts what Igbos are known for, and self-determination should not be used for purposes of fortune and fame-seeking.

“Nnamdi Kanu’s refusal to adhere to the advice of Igbo leaders, Elders, and Political leaders is the outcome of what had befallen him, he made a lot of enemies especially those that would have saved him and Federal Government will never lose grip on him again. We don’t think that any Igbo leader will stick out his/her neck for him, his re-arrest will eventually bring peace and stability to the region and averted another civil war that was raging on.

“Federal Government should handle the situation carefully because his large followers of Ipob wouldn’t resort to violent revolts, his trial should be strictly based on the laws of the land, they shouldn’t kill him because it will destabilize the entire country.”

The Arewa Youth Consultative Forum, AYCF, said the Nigerian government should ensure that Kanu faces the consequences of his actions this time.

“Finally Nnamdi Kanu has been brought back home. We must commend the Nigerian government, Interpol for its wonderful work. They have demonstrated that it’s a matter of time, though long overdue at least, it’s better late than never.

“Finally, he has to face the music probably, and I’m sure this will serve as a lesson to our brothers in the Southeast that never again should they fold their hands and allow a common criminal to be talking as if he speaks for them out of fear.”

“I’m sure the judiciary would do the needful and ensure he faces the proper music so that at the end of the day it will serve as a deterrent to the like of him that may want to think or behave the way this mad man has done over time.” 

The Archbishop of Enugu Anglican Province, Most Rev. Emmanuel Chukwuma, thinks that Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest is a good development as it would reduce the tensions in the East but warned that nothing should happen to the IPOB leader. He said:

“I think his extradition is a good development, which will bring a little bit of calm and peace to the boys he has been instigating and to Igboland so that we can have a peaceful atmosphere.

“Nnamdi Kanu jumped bail. He did not appreciate Senator Abaribe and others who secured the bail for him. Rather, when he was abroad, he was instigating people to cause confusion.

“We warned him several times to stop that. It’s not only that, we felt that if you are a leader, you should come down here so we can discuss with others on how to solve the problem. First of all, settle this case for which you jumped bail.

“We will not allow him (Nnamdi Kanu) to be eliminated. Let him face his trial and judgment. They cannot eliminate anybody like that. If they eliminate him, then, they are looking for more trouble.”

The Special Adviser to Lagos Governor on Drainage and Water Resources, Joe Igbokwe took to social media to celebrate Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest. He captioned a picture post he shared of himself kneeling and raising his hands in worship to God with the following;

“To God be the glory. May the Souls of hundreds of young men who lost their lives in the South East rest in perfect peace. Amen! An Endless Alleluia!” THE JUDGEMENT DAY COMETH. MAY THE SOULS OF TGE DEPARTED REST IN PERFECT PEACE.”

Entertainment

Odumodublvck drops 23-track Industry Machine album

Nigerian rapper Odumodublvck has officially dropped his highly anticipated 23-track album, Industry Machine, featuring powerhouse collaborations with Wizkid, Davido, Skepta, Seun Kuti, and several others. Produced by Telz and P.Priime, the project seamlessly fuses hip-hop and Afrobeats, underscoring Odumodublvck’s versatility and bold sonic direction. Within hours of its release, the album soared to No. 1 on Apple Music Nigeria’s Top Albums chart, signaling both widespread acclaim and the rapper’s growing dominance in the music industry.

Among the standout tracks, “Big Time” featuring Wizkid debuted at No. 9 on Apple Music’s Top Songs chart, earning praise for its infectious rhythm, Wizkid’s captivating verse, and Odumodublvck’s sharp lyricism. Fans and critics alike have hailed Industry Machine as a defining moment in Nigerian music, celebrating its high production value and collaborative depth. Speaking on the project, Odumodublvck described it as “a celebration of creativity, hustle, and the evolution of the industry,” cementing his reputation as one of the country’s most innovative and influential rap voices.

For a while now, followers of Nigerian music have been keenly aware of the concept of the ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE.’ The swaggering phrase has been an integral part of the digital vocabulary of Nigerian rapper and singer, ODUMODUBLVCK, hinting at the highly anticipated follow-up to his 2023 mixtape, ‘EZIOKWU’, which spawned several hit tracks and established his reputation as one of Nigeria’s finest Hip-Hop acts.

In the two years since ‘EZIOKWU,’ ODUMODUBLVCK has only grown more unstoppable, racing to the top of charts in Nigeria on multiple occasions while showcasing the full breadth of his amorphous Okporoko sound on songs like “100 Million” and “NOT ALL THAT” as well as on collabs like “JUJU,” “Funds,” and “Flako.”

Seven months after the surprise drop of ‘THE MACHINE IS COMING,’ ODUMODUBLVCK has finally released ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE,’ bringing a thrilling conclusion to months of anticipation with a blockbuster 23-track release that runs through the full gamut of the Abuja rapper’s fascination and beliefs across a variety of soundscapes.

Throughout ‘INDUSTRY MACHINE,’ ODUMODUBLCK glides between euphoric party starters (“BANZA BOY, “VINICIUS,” and “GROOVING”) and gritty Rap joints (“UNAWARE,” “IF YOU LIKE GYM,” and “LAYI WASABI.”). At different turns, he reveals a new layer to his work without losing touch with the uniquely Abuja perspective that broke him through.

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Lifestyle

#SpotlightAfricaThrowBackSeries Ado-Ekiti Indigenes Celebrate the Life and Times of Late Chief Ogunremi

Ado-Ekiti witnessed an outpouring of tributes as family, friends, and dignitaries gathered to honour the life of High Chief Oluwasesan Ogunremi, the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti and a respected leader of the traditional warlord chiefs in the kingdom.

The funeral began with a Christian wake and service of songs at the open grounds of St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti, before proceeding to the deceased’s compound in the Idolofin axis of the town for the main service. The ceremony, attended by top figures from within and outside Ekiti, featured prayers, thanksgiving, and eulogies in recognition of the late chief’s contributions to his community.

Following the service, Chief Ogunremi’s remains were interred at his residence, accompanied by hymns and tributes from relatives and well-wishers.

A reception later took place at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, where guests—including family members who travelled from the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, and Germany—were entertained with a lavish banquet. The event featured a performance by renowned gospel and highlife singer Evangelist Yinka Ayefele, while veteran emcee Olushola Oladele, popularly known as Pa Aristoe, anchored the proceedings.

The gathering attracted prominent personalities such as Mr. Babatope Adebiyi (King Jafil), Mr. Goke Olatunji, Regent Omotunde Adelabu, Hon. Abiodun Fawekun of the Ekiti State House of Assembly, members of the Ewi-in-Council, lawmakers, politicians, business leaders, and artisans.

Born on February 7, 1929, to Mr. Williams Akomolafe Ogunremi and Princess Abigail Ogunremi in Ado-Ekiti, Chief Ogunremi began his education at St. George’s Primary School, Agere, before moving to Lagos for electrical training. He later founded the well-known Micho Electronics and worked with business figures such as Chief Lawrence Omole and Chief Ajanaku in Ilesha.

He married his first wife in Ilesha, where the ceremony was held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. In 1970, he returned to Ado-Ekiti and established Micho Motors, expanding his business interests into the automobile sector. His ventures took him across Europe, including Austria, Brussels, Italy, and Germany.

In July 1988, he was installed as the Barafon of Ado-Ekiti by Oba George Adelabu, the Ewi of Ado-Ekiti. He became widely known for hosting the Udiroko Festival at his Okeilaja palace, a major cultural event that drew indigenes and chiefs before culminating in celebrations at the Ewi’s Palace. He later served as commissioner of the Ekiti State Electricity Board during the administration of Governor Adeniyi Adebayo.

Until his passing, Chief Ogunremi remained an active member of St. Patrick Catholic Cathedral, Ado-Ekiti. He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

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News

Fresh reaction emerges over Saraki’s peace move amid PDP crisis

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Renaissance group has praised the reconciliation efforts of the committee led by former Senate President Bukola Saraki, describing the intervention as pivotal in preventing the party from collapsing under internal disputes.

In a statement issued on Thursday, August 28, Bashir Sulaiman, convener of the group, commended both Saraki’s Reconciliation and Strategy Committee and the PDP Governors’ Forum under Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for “restoring peace where many expected chaos.”

“I am very impressed by what Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Reconciliation and Strategy Committee, and PDP Governors Forum, led by Governor Bala Mohammed, have done to get the PDP back on track,” Sulaiman said.

“They were tasked with resolving disputes and preparing the party for its convention, and they have delivered with precision and dedication.

The PDP has been in turmoil since the 2023 general election, with key figures such as Sunday Udeh-Okoye, Setonji Koshoedo, and Sam Anyanwu embroiled in a tussle for the National Secretary position.

According to Sulaiman, Saraki’s intervention was instrumental in ensuring that the long-standing dispute was finally resolved in favour of Anyanwu.

“Many had predicted that the PDP would collapse under the weight of its internal disagreements. Yet, thanks to Dr. Saraki, his Reconciliation Committee, and the backing of the PDP Governors’ Forum, the party has defied those expectations,” Sulaiman noted.

“The 100th, 101st, and 102nd NEC meetings were conducted without rancour, and lingering disputes have been amicably settled.”

With preparations for the party’s convention and zoning framework now underway, the PDP Renaissance group believes the opposition is on course to reclaim power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The party is now better positioned to take power back from a government that does not care about the needs of the people,” Sulaiman said.

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