Category: Security

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Entertainment Nigeria Politics Security

“GANGS OF LAGOS MOVIE” – LAGOS INDIGENES ACCUSE LASG OF EMPLOYING STRANGERS INTO CULTURE MINISTRY

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL : April 24th, 2023

Every year, there is always a movie that leaves viewers wanting more, be it a sequel or a series. Although it might seem too early to conclude which of Nollywood’s 2023 releases has managed to capture viewers’ hearts, it’s undoubtedly that Gangs of Lagos falls into the list of contenders.

The movie’s plot revolves around a group of friends to a life of crime in the famous and daunting streets of Isale Eko. After losing loved ones, they set out on a quest for vengeance to right the wrongs of the gangs on the road.

The Kosoko Royal family position.

Adamu Orisa, Eyo Are Used In Promoting Lagos Heritage, Culture, Not Gangsterism – Oloja of Lagos-Elect

Kunle Adelabu.

The King Kosoko Royal Family and Oloja Chieftaincy Family of Lagos, have condemned in totality what it termed as gross misrepresentation of the culture and heritage of Lagosians – Adamu Orisa and Eyo, in a film titled, ‘The Gang of Lagos’.

In a statement by Prince Abiola Olojo – Kosoko, the family vehemently opposed and took exception to the portrayer of the Adamu Orisa and Eyo as gun – wielding and violent deities, and means of forcefully acquiring power and control in the society.

The Oloja – elect, who issued the statement on Thursday, in support of the steps so far taken by the Aloworo of Eyo who is the Akinsinku of Lagos, elders and entire Lagosians, pledged the palace continuous support for the redress of the wrong done and more importantly, the desecration of the culture of the people of Lagos.

“The King Kosoko Royal Family and the Oloja Chieftaincy Family of Lagos, condemn in totality the movie called, ‘the Gang of Lagos’, for using the Adamu of Orisa and the Eyo paraphernalia in a way that does not depict the true history and spirit behind Eyo Play”, Prince Kosoko said.

“The King Kosoko Royal Family and the Oloja of Lagos Chieftaincy Families, will join hands with the entire people of Lagos whose pride and heritage have been desecrated, to fight with all legal and traditional means to call those involved to order.

“The Aloworo of Eyo, who is the Akinsinku of Lagos, and all the other elders in Lagos State have been responding to the gross misrepresentation and they are waiting to take other necessary steps which have been put together by the entire Lagosians whose heritage has been given a bad name.

The Kosoko palace and family are fully with them in this regard ”, the Oloja – elect assured. Putting the record straight, Prince Kosoko said that Adamu Orisa is only staged to traditionally usher departed souls into the realm of the dead and not for social engagements.

“There is nowhere in the history of Lagos where Eyo is seen carrying a gun or machete. The only object that Eyo carries is Opambata, the beautiful white regalia to cover its body and the Aga (hat), all of which made it a special deity with reference point which Lagos State as a whole is known with as an insignia to promote culture and tradition.

Unfortunately, somebody has come to use it to promote gangsterism. We would fight and prevent this from continuing”, he said.

“We are not saying that we are against what they are doing, rather, what we are saying is that they should consult with the people in charge of such heritage.

Adamu Orisa and Eyo are not for celebrations of birthdays and other social engagements that celebrate people that are still alive. It is being used to celebrate the dead and ushering their spirits for a better continuous existence in the realm of the dead.

“It is for cleansing. The process that is involved takes a minimum of three months. The ritual rites and necessary procedures must be performed”. He also cautioned and called for the constitution of an special agency of the government that would be saddled with the responsibility of overseeing the culture and tradition of the people, adding that those that will be in charge of such agency must be people that have the full grasp of the task being given to them.

“The Lagos State Censor Board and the National Census Film Censor Board cannot be blamed much, because there is problem of not putting the right people in the right place. You cannot in any way put outsiders in charge of censoring the culture and tradition of a place they know little or nothing about, because such people would not know or even perceive any wrongdoing when such culture and tradition are desecrated”, he said.

“My advice to the film boards is that any movie that has to do with culture and tradition, the producers of such movies should be asked to bring letter of clearance from traditional bodies in charge of such culture or tradition, so that there won’t be any legal issue or problem like we are facing now, and which may adversely affect the success of the Nigerian movie industry.

Highlights of the Movie

Movie Title: Gangs of Lagos

Release Date: 7th April 2023

Director: Jade Osiberu

Runtime: 2 hours plus

Cast: Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, Olarotimi Fakunle, Chioma Chukwuka, Bimbo Ademoye, Iyabo Ojo, Zlatan, Debo “Mr Maraconi” Adedayo, Yhemolee, Pasuma, Toyin Abraham, Tayo Faniran, Damilola Ogunsi, and Funke Williams.

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Africa Nigeria Politics Security USA/Europe

BIAFRA PRIME MINISTER APPOINTMENT: OHANAEZE KICKS, CALLS SIMON EKPA “AN IGBO ENEMY”

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: April 14th, 2023

The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a socio-political group in the Igbo community, has publicly denounced Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafra agitator who recently declared himself the Biafran Prime Minister.

Pushnews.com.ng reports that the Secretary-General of the group, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, stated on Tuesday that Ekpa and his associates could not compel the Igbos into another civil war.

In a statement, Isiguzoro labeled Ekpa as an adversary of the Igbo nation and distanced Ohanaeze from the establishment of a unity government.

The statement reads: “Ohanaeze worldwide views with great distaste and condemnation” the purported declaration by Simon Ekpa, leader of the Ekpa Killer Squad (Autopilots) as a “Biafran Prime Minister in Exile”.

“Indeed, this latest episode, an orchestrated attempt by the Finland-based Igbo enemy, who has made himself a ready tool in the destruction of Ala-Igbo can only be blamed on his “deliberate pampering” by the Finnish and Nigerian Governments after detailed reports of heightening terrorism from his Finnish base, including reports from a Finnish journalist, who was in Enugu this February to personally interview families of victims of his terror attacks, which he boldly affirmed on Finnish Television was presented to the Finnish Government.

“Ndigbo has rebutted and renounced in strong terms the formation of a purported Biafra Government in exile, by Simon Ifeanyi Njoku Ekpa who is seen as the greatest enemy of Ndigbo in the last 200 years and one of the most dangerous terrorists in Africa and operating from Finland, if the Nigerian Government fails to check this ugly development, Ekpa’s game-plan is to plunge Nigeria into another undeserved Civil War.

“Ndigbo are now given a standing order to capture Ekpa dead or alive, he must not be allowed to escape justice as the leader of the most dreadful killer squad in the Southeast whose sole aim is to destabilize the Southeast with his satanic agenda of leading another Civil War against Nigeria.

“For the avoidance of doubt, Ndigbo can never be pushed into fighting another war, regardless of the provocations of Ekpa and his paymasters who surprisingly are hurt by the ongoing fraternity existing between Ndigbo and their Yoruba siblings and are hell-bent on thwarting it.

“From declaring a 5 Day sit-at-home in the South-East during the Presidential election to the declaration of Sit-at-home in Lagos, Ekpa has only one agenda- the destruction of Ala-Igbo, to fulfil his paymaster’s political ambitions.

“Indeed, his latest drama is aimed at distracting the Labour Party, LP, Presidential candidate from the pursuit of his Pan-Nigerian mandate at the election tribunal by questioning his belief in Nigeria when his people are pressing on with Biafra and now have a “Prime Minister in exile.”

The group therefore called on both the Nigerian and Finnish Governments to expedite the extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria for prosecution on charges of crimes against humanity.

Push News 24 International has before now reported that The Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, confirmed the appointment of Simon Ekpa as a reporter of Radio Biafra.

Emma Powerful, the Publicity Secretary of IPOB, confirmed Ekpa’s appointment in a chat with Newsmen.

Powerful disclosed that Ekpa was appointed to report for Radio Biafra like others due to his track record.

Powerful said: “Yes Simon is appointed to report on radio Biafra like others, the leadership went to his record and decided to appoint him a reporter on radio Biafra. We have many reporters on radio Biafra.”We had reported that following the rearrest and detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu by the Nigerian Government, Ekpa was appointed to be in charge of the secession group media platform pending Kanu’s freedom.

As it is there EKPA seems to have taken over the Biafran struggle with his success on the sit-at-home proclamation in the SE, he appears to be in charge of the Biafran machinery.

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Nigeria Politics Security

IPOB MASS PROTEST IN ABA TURNS VIOLENT AS 10 PERSONS REPORTED KILLED – KANU’S LAWYER

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL – April 1st, 2023

Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, legal counsel to the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu, has said about ten people were killed and over hundred were grievously injured during the group’s protest in Aba.

Push News 24 reports that members of IPOB, yesterday, 31st March, 2023 – held a peaceful protest in Aba, the commercial city of Abia State, calling on the federal government to obey the court order and release their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu who has been in the dungeon of the Department of State Security Service, DSS, since June 2021.

During the protest, the IPOB members were dispersed by gun wielding security men comprising of Police and Military officers.

The protesters were shot at as protesters went berserk and resisted to halting the protest, according to a video which has gone viral on social media.

Over 10 Persons Were Killed, Many Injured During IPOB Protest In Aba, Says Kanu’s Lawyer, Ejiofor.

During the protest, the IPOB members were dispersed by gun wielding security men comprising of Police and Military officers. The protesters were shot at, according to a video which has gone viral on social media.

Reacting, Barrister Ejiofor said from all investigations, the joint Military and Police when we’re sent to disperse the protesters used lethal weapon and killed at least ten protesters, injuring over hundred. He queried why the protesters should be shot having conducted their Protest in a civil way. The legal practitioner went ahead to call on the Nigerian government to call the security men to order and begin an investigation into what he described as “Genocidal Massacre in Aba”.

The full statement read:

A gut-wrenching and disturbing news broke yesterday, the 31st day of March, 2023, from Abia State, to the effect that the combined team of the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Army and other sister security agencies, launched an unprovoked attack on innocent and unarmed citizens protesting the continued illegal and unconstitutional detention of our indefatigable Client – Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

During the bloody crackdown on unarmed civilians, over ten (10) persons were gruesomely murdered in cold blood, while over 100 persons were grievously injured by lethal weapons, and live ammunition used by these murderous security agents.

Very disheartening is also the fact that over one hundred and fifty (150) persons amongst the peaceful protesters were abducted, and swiftly taken to unknown location(s) by the security agents, who equally confiscated and took away the dead bodies of those they killed.

Unfortunately, the foregoing troubling/disturbing news have been verified to be true.

It is indeed not a coincidence that this dastardly act is being committed on our land when the international community, more specifically, the Global Terrorism Index (GTI) group has beamed their searchlights on the unabated killings of innocent civilians in the South-East by both state and non-state actors.

Yesterday’s unfortunate event/incident is a further confirmation of the fact that the appropriate institution/organization to classify/designate in the world Global Terrorism Index for their terrorist activities in the South-East, is the overzealous Nigerian Army and the Nigeria Police Force and other sister agencies, which have repeatedly shown no restraint in their dastardly acts of genocidal massacre of unarmed/innocent civilians in the South-East, without due regard to the rules of engagement obtainable in a civilised society.

The event of yesterday, has also irresistibly pointed to the fact that – the Nigerian Soldiers, Nigeria Police Force and others – actively involved in these heinous crimes against humanity, are the actual culprits, and as such, we are calling on the International Community, responsible Foreign Governments and Institutions, to reign in on the Nigerian government to call their overzealous/lawless security agents to account for this obvious crime against humanity.

The Nigerian government must audit the details of these heinous crimes against unarmed civilians and genocidal massacre of citizens who are legitimately exercising their civil rights to protest and peaceful assembly as constitutionally guaranteed in Nigeria’s constitution.

The bloody crackdown on innocent and unarmed civilians is not only sacrilegious but condemnable!!! Hence, we are calling on the Nigerian Security agents to release the dead bodies of those they massacred during the bloody crackdown on innocent protesters yesterday, and also to unconditionally and immediately release the protesters they illegally abducted during the bloody onslaught.

This ethnic profiling, unprovoked attacks, bloody crackdown and genocidal killings of people from the South-East has gained more prominence recently, and continued unchecked, particularly, now that other non-state actors are involved in other states across Nigeria like Lagos; in the killing of Igbos and destruction of their properties, without being arrested or countered. We wish to reiterate our demand for the immediate release of those abducted during yesterday’s unprovoked bloody crackdown, as well as the release of the dead bodies of persons they massacred, to their respective families for proper burial.

Be assured that we must explore all legal remedies available to the victims in the circumstance of this grave infraction to seek appropriate legal redress before the law courts.

Enough is enough!!!

Signed: Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor,

Additional reports : Aba Blog

Categories
Nigeria Politics Security

IPOB INVASION OF LAGOS MARKETS, IGBO MONARCH ARRESTED IN HIDEOUT

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: April 1st, 2023

IPOB INVASION OF LAGOS MARKETS, IGBO MONARCH ARRESTED IN HIDEOUT

The self-styled Eze Ndigbo of Ajao Estate in Lagos State, Fredrick Nwajagu, has been arrested.

Speaking in a video that went viral on Friday, Nwajagu threatened to invite members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to secure the properties and markets of Igbo people in Lagos State.

He said, “IPOB, we will invite them. They have no job. All of the IPOB will protect all of our shops. And we have to pay them. We have to mobilise for that. We have to do that. We must have our security so that they will stop attacking us at midnight, in the morning, and in the afternoon.

“When they discover that we have our security before they will come, they will take caution. I am not saying a single word to be hidden. I am not hiding my words, let my words go viral. Igbo must get their right and get a stand in Lagos State,” he added.

A source in the police who preferred anonymity said that the Igbo leader was arrested on Saturday morning by a joint team of policemen and operatives of the Department of State Services in his hide-out in Ejigbo area of Lagos State.

“A team of police and DSS went to his palace but he had already escaped. He was later traced and tracked down to a secluded hotel in Ejigbo where he was arrested,”.

Recall that The Tony Blair Institute of Global Change has called on Nigerian authorities not to overlook the threats posed by the Indigenous People of Biafra, Bandits, and Boko Haram/Islamic State for West African Province terrorists to disrupt the 2023 general elections.

The organisation warned that these groups are more likely to step up their attacks to scupper the 2023 elections.

Despite clapping their wings during the elections its then behoves morality for any reasonable persons to want to invite such proscribed groups under whatever guise.

THE apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, yesterday, urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State to ignore the rumour that members of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, are plotting to attack Lagos, describing it is a plot to distract the state government from providing good governance for all residents of the State.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to Governor Sanwo-Olu at the Lagos House, Marina, the President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide, Prof. George Obiozor, said: “The dangerous rumour or statement is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.”

Obiozor, in his address titled: ‘Violence in any part of Lagos State is violence on all of us’, said Ndigbo cannot indulge in any act that will harm the harmonious peace and cordial relationship between Igbo and Yoruba, especially Lagos, which he described as second home of several Ndigbo.

The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Hakeem Odumosu, during a Security Townhall Meeting at the Lagos State secretariat, attended by Governor Sanwo-Olu, and other principal officials in Lagos State, said there were plans by some groups, which include IPOB to attack ‘soft spots’ in the state.

But reacting to the remarks, Prof. Obiazor said: “The constant and periodic dangerous insinuations, rumour, gossips and callous statements that Ndigbo in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land contemplate or instigate violence in Lagos or any part of Yoruba land; we wish to state clearly that anywhere this dangerous rumour or statement is emanating from is aimed to cause division, crises and conflict amongst us.

“We think that this rumour is intended to distract the Lagos State Government from its efforts to provide good governance for all and cause disaffection between Ndigbo who live in Lagos and their host community which is the second home of several Ndigbo.

“The quick denial of this rumour by members of IPOB and Yoruba groups in Lagos and across the South West was a source of relief.

“I am aware that the Government and good people of Lagos State under your able leadership, and through their hospitable gestures, have continually kept the trust and friendship between Ndigbo and our host communities in Lagos State alive.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo through this medium reiterates total support to the state government and the security agencies in their patriotic efforts to keep everyone safe in Lagos and throughout the country. The Igbo nation is renowned for being agents of development, not destruction. Ndigbo are builders and their contributions to the development of Lagos State are evident and exemplary.”

Responding, Governor Sanwo-Olu assured Ohanaeze Ndigbo leadership of continuous good governance, security of lives and properties of all residents in Lagos State.

The Governor said he had no doubt that the Ndigbo are great people, noting that his administration would continue to foster harmonious relationships with all the different tribes and ethnic nationalities in the State.

Additional reports @admin @Punch

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Education Entertainment Politics Security

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION FACES SETBACK AS US FINALLY CONCLUDES TO BAN TIKTOK DUE TO FEAR INVASION

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: March 26th, 2023

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION FACES SETBACK AS US FINALLY CONCLUDES TO BAN TIKTOK DUE TO FEAR INVASION

More bad news for TikTok, with the US House Foreign Affairs Committee today voting to give President Joe Biden the power to ban the Chinese-owned app, if he deems such a move necessary, amid ongoing security discussions around its potential connection to the CCP.

The White House has already announced a full ban of TikTok on government-owned devices, following similar moves in over 30 US states. EU and Canadian officials have also followed suit, banning the app on all official devices, as tensions between China and the west continue to simmer, largely tied back to the Ukraine conflict.

Earlier this month, the US ordered a Chinese balloon to be shot down, amid concerns that it was being used to spy on the US and Canada, while rumors of China’s continued support for Russia’s attacks on Ukraine have also put it on a collision course with western governments.

Within this, TikTok has become a bigger focus. And while the app has been under CFIUS review for almost two years, discussions around its future are now accelerating, which could see it banned outright in the US sometime soon.

TikTok responded to the news with this statement:

Today’s announcement doesn’t give Biden the full green light to ban the app, with the US Senate still required to give sign-off before a ban could be implemented. But it’s another step towards that next stage, which increasingly feels like it will lead to a TikTok ban, or at the least, a significant change in direction for the app.

Former US President Donald Trump ordered TikTok to be sold to a US company in 2020, or face a full ban in the region. That option may still be another way to go, which could eventually see TikTok under new management, as opposed to going dark in the US.

But then again, a lot now depends on China’s next moves, and whether it continues to clash with the US.

The spy balloon incident feels like a turning point, of sorts, in this push, and it may be that relations between the two economic superpowers have now deteriorated to the point where the US feels compelled to act.

Clearly, security officials have major concerns, and if that extends to government employees, it stands to reason that the same logic could apply to regular citizens as well.

China insisted Friday it does not ask companies to hand over data gathered overseas, as the Chinese-owned TikTok faces mounting calls for a ban in the United States.

We now await the next steps

Categories
Nigeria Politics Security

LABOUR PARTY IMO GOVERNRSHIP CANDIDATE FOUND DEAD IN HIS HOME

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL : March 25th, 2023

LABOUR PARTY IMO GOVERNRSHIP CANDIDATE FOUND DEAD IN HIS HOME

A Labour Party governorship Stalwart in the forthcoming governorship primary holding in Imo State, Humphrey Anumudu, has been found dead in his house.

Anumudu was reported dead in his home after returning from a meeting at the LP secretariat in Abuja.

The deceased was a native of Mbieri Ancient Kingdom in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State.

A family friend who spoke to The media on the condition of anonymity confirmed the death saying the auto merchant died on Friday evening.

He added that his death came as a shock.

Until his death, Anumudu was a multi-billionaire businessman cum politician who had been contesting the governorship seat of the state since 1998.

He was said to be the winner of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship primary in the state in 1998 before the ticket was ceded to Achike Udenwa who went on to rule the state between 1999 and 2007.

Since then, he had been contesting for the number one seat of the state.

In 2019, he was the Zenith Labour party governorship candidate.

He was also a respected legal luminary and the Chief Executive Officer of Globe Motors

Earlier, the LP Stalwart had launched his campaign with the several donations.

The joy of the members of Imo State Labour Party knew no bounds as an illustrious son of Imo State from Owerri senatorial district, Hon. Humphrey Anumudu, through his Humphrey Anumudu Foundation Imo State, donated campaign vehicles to Party executive and to all the Local Government Areas of Imo.

The vehicles were presented last Tuesday at the Party Secretariat in Owerri , Imo State capital.

Humphrey Anumudu while donating the vehicles said that “this invitation is specifically to assign these vehicles to Imo State Labour Party for the presidential campaign of Mr. Peter Obi.”

“Labour Party has existed and has been supported by Imo people without great showing of its existence in the State. Considering that our presidential flag bearer, Mr. Peter Obi is greatly and massively supported by Nigerians, I, Humphrey Anumudu therefore support his presidential campaign with these vehicles. I expect that the recipients of these vehicles will put them to maximum use in the overall interest of the campaign of Mr. Peter Obi and our great Party, the Labour Party.” He advised.

Responding, the State Chairman of Labour Party, Chief Ambrose Onyekwere thanked Humphrey Anumudu for his passionate commitment towards the emergence of Mr. Peter Obi as the next Nigeria President and Labour Party in general.

The chairman charged the Labour Party LGA chairmen to make judicious utilization of the vehicles especially for the general interest of Nigerians and Imo State people in particular that are yearning for good governance through Mr. Peter Obi. He urged the ward chairmen to henceforth show commitment to the party via making efforts that are capable of making the party and her candidates popular in various localities of Imo State.

Categories
Medical Politics Security USA/Europe

FINALLY, EKWEREMADU, WIFE CONVICTED IN A FIRST EVER UK ORGAN TRANSPLANT CRIMINAL CHARGE

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: March 23rd, 2023

Nigerian politician, wife, and a doctor guilty of organ trafficking to UK
Three convicted of conspiring to exploit a man for his kidney in first verdict of its kind under Modern Slavery Act.

A senior Nigerian politician, his wife, and a doctor have been convicted of organ trafficking, in the first verdict of its kind under the Modern Slavery Act.

Ike Ekweremadu, 60, a former deputy president of the Nigerian senate, his wife, Beatrice, 56, and Dr Obinna Obeta, 51, were found guilty of facilitating the travel of a young man to Britain with a view to his exploitation after a six-week trial at the Old Bailey.

They criminally conspired to bring the 21-year-old Lagos street trader to London to exploit him for his kidney, the jury found.

The man, who cannot be named for legal reasons, had been offered an illegal reward to become a donor for the senator’s daughter after kidney disease forced her to drop out of a master’s degree in film at Newcastle University, the court heard. Sonia Ekweremadu was found not guilty.

She cried in court as her parents were sent down from the dock.

In February 2022 the man was falsely presented to a private renal unit at Royal Free hospital in London as Sonia’s cousin in a failed attempt to persuade medics to carry out an £80,000 transplant. For a fee, a medical secretary at the hospital acted as an Igbo translator between the man and the doctors to help try to convince them he was an altruistic donor, the court heard.

The prosecutor Hugh Davies KC told the court the Ekweremadus and Obeta had treated the man and other potential donors as “disposable assets – spare parts for reward”. He said they entered an “emotionally cold commercial transaction” with the man.

The behaviour of Ekweremadu, a successful lawyer and founder of an anti-poverty charity who helped draw up Nigeria’s laws against organ trafficking, showed “entitlement, dishonesty and hypocrisy”, Davies told the jury.

He said Ekweremadu, who owns several properties and had a staff of 80, “agreed to reward someone for a kidney for his daughter – somebody in circumstances of poverty and from whom he distanced himself and made no inquiries, and with whom, for his own political protection, he wanted no direct contact”.

Davies added: “What he agreed to do was not simply expedient in the clinical interests of his daughter, Sonia, it was exploitation, it was criminal. It is no defence to say he acted out of love for his daughter. Her clinical needs cannot come at the expense of the exploitation of somebody in poverty.”

Ekweremadu, who denied the charge, told the court he was the victim of a scam. Obeta, who also denied the charge, claimed the man was not offered a reward for his kidney and was acting altruistically. Beatrice denied any knowledge of the alleged conspiracy. Sonia did not give evidence.

WhatsApp messages showed to the court revealed Obeta charged Ekweremadu 4.5m naira (about £8,000) made up of an “agent fee” and a “donor fee”.

Ekweremadu and Obeta admitted falsely claiming the man was Sonia’s cousin in his visa application and in documents presented to the hospital.

Davies said Ekweremadu ignored medical advice to find a donor for his daughter among genuine family members. He said: “At no point in time was there ever any intention for a family member close, medium or distant to do what could be paid for from a pool of donors.”

The judge, Mr Justice Jeremy Johnson, will pass sentence on 5 May.

The chief crown prosecutor, Joanne Jakymec, said: “This was a horrific plot to exploit a vulnerable victim by trafficking him to the UK for the purpose of transplanting his kidney.

“The convicted defendants showed utter disregard for the victim’s welfare, health and wellbeing and used their considerable influence to a high degree of control throughout, with the victim having limited understanding of what was really going on here.”

DI Esther Richardson, from the Metropolitan police’s modern slavery and exploitation command, said: “This is a landmark conviction and we commend the victim for his bravery in speaking against these offenders.”

• This story was corrected on 23 March to reflect the fact that Sonia Ekweremadu was found not guilty in the case.

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Nigeria Politics Security USA/Europe

SIMON EKPA : FINLAND AMBASSADOR DISOWNS VIRAL LETTER, DECLARING IT FAKE.

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: February 14th, 2023

SIMON EKPA : FINLAND AMBASSADOR DISOWNS VIRAL LETTER, DECLARING IT FAKE.


Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvänäinen said the letter purportedly warning Simon Ekpa “is a complete fake but unfortunately has spread very widely sadly.”

The Government of Finland has disowned a letter attributed to its prime minister, Sanna Marin, purportedly asking a Nigerian-Finish lawyer to withdraw some controversial comments about the upcoming Nigerian general elections.

Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria Leena Pylvänäinen in a phone interview with a National Daily, on Thursday, said “it is a complete fake but unfortunately has spread very widely sadly.”

According to the letter, Finland’s prime minister purportedly gave a 48-hour to Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finish and headliner in the South-east Biafran agitation, to desist from encouraging Nigerians to boycott the upcoming general elections.

A viral letter on social media claims that the Finnish government has threatened to arrest Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Recently, videos emerged on Facebook of Ekpa pronouncing a sit-at-home order in the eastern states of the country from February 23 to 28.

“On the 23rd day of February 2023, there will be a sit-at-home. On the 24th day of February 2023, there will be a lockdown in the entire Biafra territory. On the 25th day of February 2023, Biafra land will be under lock and key. On the 26th of February 2023, Biafra land will be sealed and will be under the lock of key, there will be no movement of chicken. On the 27th of February 2023, Biafra land will be under total lock and key. On the 28th of February 2023, Biafra land will be under lock and key,” Ekpa said in a broadcast.

“I want Biafrans to understand that these particular dates and days are still subject to review, review in the sense that the sit at home may be called off at any point in time. In addition to the affirmation dates, there will be an imposition of curfew on two of those days – on the 24th and 25th of February 2023. In addition to the sit-at-home, there will be a six-to-six curfew.

There will be an imposition of curfew on all federal roads in the following areas: all federal roads leading to Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo state.

“I want Biafrans to understand that on these days mentioned, it will be an open war between Biafra and Nigeria because we are fighting to protect our life, our property, our villages, our cultures and values. So, anybody who the Nigerian government send to come and fight Biafra, we will engage you.”

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Nigeria Politics Security USA/Europe

SIT-AT-HOME : SIMON EKPA’S DUAL CITIZENSHIP HINDERING FURTHER ACTIONS – FINNISH GOVT. TO BUHARI

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL: February 14th, 2023

SIT-AT-HOME : SIMON EKPA’S DUAL CITIZENSHIP HINDERING FURTHER ACTIONS – FINNISH GOVT. TO BUHARI

Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday summoned the Finnish Ambassador, over misinfornation, disinformation, hate speech and incitive comments by a Nigerian-Finnish lawyer and Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, which many fear could derail the peaceful conduct of 2023 general elections.

At the meeting with the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama expressed displeasure over the orders given by Simon Ekpa to his teeming followers who consequently embarked on killings, maiming, burning and other destructive activities.

The Ekpa-led faction of the outlawed Indigenous People’s of Biafra (IPOB) had reportedly declared that elections will not be allowed to hold in the South-East, and had declared the period of the elections as sit-at-home.

The minister who was represented by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Zubairu Dada said Ekpa’s action is fast becoming a threat to the forthcoming election, and that the Federal Government would not take it lightly with him and the Finland governments if nothing drastic is not done.

According to Dada, Simon Ekpa is living in the comfort of his home in Finland and dishing out dangerous orders to his followers not to allow elections to hold which is threatening the peace of the south-eastern Nigeria.

“We thought it was important for us to have this chat with you to let you know that, of course, he’s living in the comfort of his home there in Finland and we know that we have been in touch with your good self,” Dada said.

“We’ve had some time to ensure that we arrest this situation but it appears the situation is getting out of hand. And we’re saying enough is enough. We should let you know, in very strong terms that it’s high time you really mean and back Nigeria with the quest that something be done immediately because he threatens the forthcoming elections.

“The sad thing is that this gentleman has a lot of followers out there. And the moment he issues these instructions, what happens is that you have destruction the very next day. They embark on killings, maimings and burning and you name it. And we believe this is not acceptable.

“It’s important to get to know that this elections are being threatened by the actions of someone, and that something needs to be done immediately, to address the situation. This in essence is why we thought it was important for us to have this discussion with you, so as to let you know our concerns and the displeasure of the Government of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria on this very unhealthy development.”

Responding, Pylvanainen said that while they are watching to see how this fits into the legal framework of Finland, the personality in question is a double citizen and there is a need to take his rights into consideration.

She described it as an irritant in the relations between Nigeria and Finland which are celebrating 60 years of diplomatic relations this year.

The Finnish envoy said it has been 60 years of excellent cooperation bilaterally and on international fora and they can not trade such for anything as the issue is such a serious concern to Finland and efforts are ongoing to address it.

“This is something I want to make very, very clear. Finland condemns all violence and incitement to violence in all its forms. Political aims, of course, should be pursued through political means only. That is very clear,” she said.

“It stems from the fundamentals of our actions, it’s enshrined in our constitution, and we do really underline our support and the importance we see for these elections not only for Nigeria, but for the entire region. So we’re with you very much on that.

“We share very much the concerns regarding the security situation in the southeast? Yes, there are problems in other parts of the country as well. But this is an issue that we are directly concerned with. This is an issue we have been discussing, we share the concerns. We have discussed the matter and as I mentioned, our law enforcement agencies are in touch and are cooperating.

“We do have this irritant, as you call it on our bilateral agenda. And it is a topic on which we have been cooperating, our authorities have been cooperating, there have been contacts between the law enforcement agencies of Nigeria and Finland on this topic.

“We’ve had several discussions here in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs which we do appreciate very much, because you said this is an issue of national concern to Nigeria nationally, but it is very much a concern for us as well.

” Finland of course, as a member of the EU has been part and parcel of these efforts. We have our own long term observers on the ground at the moment. We are very much interested in the safe and secure conduct of these elections throughout the country.

“Information has been shared, and we hope for more of that in order for all authorities to do their job and that is to investigate really what is going on and to see how this fits into the legal framework of Finland, because we are of course speaking of a Finnish citizen.

“Also, he’s a double citizen as far as I know of Nigeria and Finland, and he’s therefore as you rightly said, protected and safe and sound in his home in Finland. But we have to take his rights into consideration as well. So everything has to obviously be done according to Finnish legislation, which has very strong protections for freedom of speech.

“But of course, stipulations against hate speech and incitement to violence for us, the situation is really of concern on three accounts, even you could say it is of concern. Most of all, of course, on the ground in the Southeast, but also what we have seen over the recent weeks.”

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Security USA/Europe

“BRUTAL COLD” EXTREME WEATHER WARNINGS SPREAD ACROSS CANADA

PUSH NEWS 24 INTERNATIONAL : January 3rd, 2023

The point at which cold gets dangerous is a higher temperature than you might think, especially if you live somewhere that frequently sees temperatures in the teens or lower. “It’s safe to be outside if the temperature is 32°F or above,” says David A. Greuner, MD, FACS, co-founder and director of NYC Surgical. “If the temperature falls between 13°F and 31°F, you should take breaks from the cold approximately every 20 to 30 minutes. If wind chill temperatures are 13°F and below, you should remain indoors.” Wind chill measures the true danger of weather conditions by factoring in how the low temperature and wind speed combine to remove heat from an exposed human face.

Across the country, Canadians are turning up the thermostat as frigid temperatures and snow squalls creep in.

According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, as of Thursday morning there were extreme cold or winter storm warnings active from coast to coast, with the harshest extreme cold warnings stretching from northern Alberta all the way to Nova Scotia.

Regions of British Columbia are expecting significant snowfall, with Peace River set to receive 25-50 centimetres by Saturday morning.

In Fort McMurray, Alta., the wind chill will make the air feel like -40 degrees Celsius by Thursday afternoon.

On the other side of the country, residents of Halifax are bracing for an arctic airmass to strike on Friday, bringing with it a windchill value of -35 to -42 C, according to Environment Canada.

A map of alerts and warnings on the agency’s website shows a wide band of red warnings stretching from B.C. to the Atlantic provinces. There are warnings in place across all of New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia, with the vast majority of Manitoba, Quebec and Ontario covered in winter warnings as well.

This cold snap is in part due to a wave of cold from the Arctic’s polar vortex descending on Eastern Canada between Thursday night and Friday, according to climatologists.

“We’ll see temperatures that are really, brutally cold,” Environment Canada senior climatologist David Phillips said.