Nobody should beg Tinubu’s govt for my release — Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), has made it clear that he doesn’t want anyone begging for his release from detention.
According to his counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu believes he hasn’t committed any crime and therefore shouldn’t be subjected to appeals for pardon or clemency.
Kanu’s warning comes after some South East leaders, including Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Benjamin Kalu, called on President Bola Tinubu to release him.
However, Kanu emphasises that his release should be based on the rule of law, citing a Federal High Court judgment that declared his detention unconstitutional.
Instead of begging for his release, Kanu suggests that those who want to help should focus on ensuring that his case is conducted with impartiality and adherence to the rule of law.
He also expresses gratitude to those working towards restoring security and tranquility i
n Igboland.
Kano gets new SSG
Kano governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has appointed Umar Farouk Ibrahim as the new Secretary to the State Government (SSG).
The appointment was announced in a statement issued by the governor’s spokesperson, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, on Saturday night.
Ibrahim’s appointment takes effect from Monday, February 10, 2025.
He succeeded Dr. Baffa Abdullahi Bichi who was relieved of his duties on health ground.
According to the statement, Ibrahim was selected based on his extensive experience and expertise, which are expected to pl7ay a vital role in advancing the administration’s development agenda and keeping the state on track with its goals.
Umar Farouk Ibrahim brings over three decades of distinguished public service to his new role.
No excuse for failing to crush terrorism, oil theft, says Ogalla
The Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Emmanuel Ogalla, has underscored the need for the military to fight insecurity to a standstill.
The naval boss insisted that the Armed Forces have no excuse not to defeat terrorism, banditry, oil theft, kidnapping, secessionist agitations, and other emerging security threats in the country.
His colleague, the Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Hasan Abubakar, also revealed that the service spends about $11 million to overhaul a single attack helicopter platform in its inventory whenever the need arises.
Also, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lieutenant General Olufemi Oluyede, accused the media of presenting the military in a bad light before the international community. He, however, noted that the issue is gradually being addressed.
Speaking during the closing of the Chief of Defence Staff Joint Task Force Commanders Conference 2025 at DHQ in Abuja, Ogalla said the nation is currently waging irregular warfare, which requires a whole-of-society approach to defeat.
He said, “We must understand that these threats are evolving and have remained dynamic in nature over the years.
“I am happy to say that as these threats keep developing, the Armed Forces and other security agencies have also been evolving in our counter-strategies.
Another Nigerian, Benjamin Okoli dies in South African police custody
The Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has condemned the death of a 40-year-old Nigerian citizen, Benjamin Okoli, while in police custody.
Okoli’s death comes less than a month after NICASA condemned the alleged killing of another Nigerian, 50-year-old Jeremiah Okoye, who died in police custody on Jan. 13.
NICASA President-General, Dr Frank Onyekwelu, described the curious deaths of Nigerians in South Africa as unbearable during a midnight telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Okoli, from Akpu in Orumba South, Anambra, is survived by his wife and child. “The Nigerian community in South Africa is mourning yet another loss in police custody.
“Okoli was stopped, searched by police officers, and taken to his house with his brother for further inspection. “In spite of finding nothing, the officers tortured, beat, and brutalised them. Okoli couldn’t withstand the assault and fell into a coma,” Onyekwelu said. “His brother’s attempts to revive him failed while the police stood by and watched as Okoli’s life slipped away. Paramedics later pronounced him dead,” he added.
He noted that investigations into Okoye’s death were still ongoing when Okoli died in similar circumstances, allegedly at the hands of the same police unit.
“This is the same group of officers accused of killing Okoye. Now, two Nigerians have died in police custody in less than a month,” Onyekwelu stated.
According to him, NICASA leaders in Limpopo are struggling to come to terms with the disturbing trend, which is increasingly targeting Nigerians in the province.