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Nnamdi Kanu’s trial: Focus on facts, not propaganda – Lawyer tasks journalists

Published

2 months ago

July 20, 2025

Media practitioners have been urged to focus on facts rather than propaganda in the terrorism trial of leader of Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Nnamdi Kanu.

The Directorate of Legal Affairs, Research and Global Communications Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB,

Onyedikachi Ifedi, Esq., made the call in a statement on Sunday. He was reacting to arguments canvassed by Kanu’s lead counsel, Chief Kanu Agabi, SAN, at the resumed hearing of the case on Thursday in Abuja.

The lawyer advised against sensational reporting of what he described as propaganda spewed by the Federal Government legal team.

According to him, journalists should not ignore germane questions raised by Agabi during the proceeding, particularly on the identity of over 170 security officers the government claimed have been killed as a result of Kanu’s broadcasts.

Ifedi said, “Who are the families of these alleged victims? Why have they not testified in court? Which individual has claimed, under oath, that they heard Mazi Kanu and then committed violence as a result of his broadcasts? Who issued the unsigned, unauthenticated death certificates the DSS tried to smuggle into evidence?”

Agabi had in his submission urged the prosecution to tender the forensic pathologist or investigator linking any death to IPOB or Mazi Kanu. He submitted that no victims had come forward to testify in court that their loved one was killed due to any violence by Nnamdi Kanu.

Ifedi added, “Self-determination is not a crime. No Nigerian law criminalizes calling for Biafra; free speech, even harsh or fiery speech, is not terrorism. No evidence links Mazi Kanu’s utterances to violence. No lawful investigation was conducted under the Terrorism Prevention Act.

“Instead, the media gave uncritical oxygen to laughable claims that because Mazi Kanu said “the world will stand still”, Nigeria must imprison him. Since when did hyperbole become terrorism? If so, when will government officials who have made similar or worse threats be charged?”

The lawyer appealed to the media not to give “unnecessary oxygen and voice to the narratives aimed at misleading the public”.

“We challenge you to report that all five prosecution witnesses were DSS agents. That none of them tendered direct evidence of violence caused by Mazi Kanu. That the “evidence” they submitted consisted of unsigned, unauthenticated documents.

“That no victim, no investigator, no family member, no forensic expert testified in support of the government’s claims. We remind all Nigerians and the international community: well-scripted propaganda cannot replace facts, evidence, or the rule of law.

“The Federal Government’s case against Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is legally unsustainable, morally bankrupt, and politically vindictive,” the statement added.

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News

Nigeria condemns Israeli airstrike in Qatar targeting Hamas leadership

Published

1 hour ago

September 11, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed strong concern over reports that an Israeli airstrike in Doha, Qatar, targeted senior members of Hamas leadership earlier this week.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the government emphasized the need to respect national sovereignty and uphold international law, warning that the attack could further destabilize the Middle East.

“This incident raises profound questions about regional stability and the future of diplomatic efforts to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict,” the statement read.
Nigerian fashion

Nigeria commended Qatar’s long-standing role as a mediator in peace negotiations and urged all parties to avoid escalation.

“We call for maximum restraint and a renewed commitment to peaceful dialogue. Violence only deepens mistrust and prolongs suffering,” the government said.

It also extended condolences to victims of the attack and reaffirmed its commitment to international efforts aimed at de-escalation and lasting peace. Abuja pledged to continue working with the United Nations and other multilateral institutions to advance stability and uphold the rule of law in the region.

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has remained tense since October 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise assault on southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and seizing over 200 hostages. Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has since caused widespread destruction and fueled a humanitarian crisis.
Nigerian fashion

According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 62,000 people have been killed in nearly two years of fighting. Qatar has played a central role in mediation, hosting Hamas’s political leadership in Doha and serving as a key channel for negotiations.

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News

Qatar denies visa restrictions on Nigerians

Published

18 hours ago

September 10, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Qatari Ministry of Interior has dismissed reports claiming that it imposed new visa restrictions on Nigerian passport holders.

A ministry official told the BBC Pidgin on Wednesday that there are no restrictions on Nigerians seeking to visit Qatar.

Social media reports had alleged that Qatari authorities introduced a travel ban preventing male applicants from entering the country unless they were travelling with their families.

The reports also claimed that only women or families could apply for visas, with additional requirements of a five-star hotel booking and a return flight ticket before applying for a travel or transit visa.

According to the viral reports, the notification cited frequent cases of overstays by Nigerian travellers as the reason.

However, according to the BBC, Hayya, Qatar’s digital platform for e-visa services, clarified that the visa application process remains unchanged.

“There has been no suspension or changes to the current procedures. If any updates are to be made, they will be announced on our official platforms,” it stated.

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News

FRSC, Army collaborate on intelligence sharing, others

Published

18 hours ago

September 10, 2025

Newsbreak365_Admin

The Federal Road Safety Corps says it will collaborate with the Nigerian Army on intelligence sharing and organisation of periodic workshops for security agencies.

The Zonal Commanding Officer in charge of Lagos and Ogun states, Mrs Ann Oladayo, an Assistant Corps Marshal, said this in a statement issued on Wednesday in Lagos.

Oladayo listed other areas for collaboration to include security cover for special operations, training and retraining of drivers and vehicles safety.

She said this when she led other senior officers of the corps to the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 81 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Farouk Mijinyawa.

According to her, the visit is in a bid to promote the FRSC 2025 Strategic goal two as a lead agency in traffic management and administration in the country.

”The corps would like to bring our professionalism to help in training your new Army recruits in driving. We will also want to engage some of your retiring officers, who intend taking driving as a profession.”

Responding, the GOC said that though, the responsibilities of the Nigerian Army was enormous, it has been able to stabilise security in both states.

Mijinyawa said that the Army was currently collaborating with other security agencies like FRSC, the Police, Customs and others to ensure safety and security of lives.

He pledged the Army’s continuous support and collaboration with the FRSC to ensure safety and security.

In a related development, the FRSC ZCO also visited the Zonal Coordinator, Nigerian Correctional Service; Zone A, Lagos, ACG Ope Fatinikun, where inter-agencies collaboration and synergy were also discussed.

During the interactive session, questions bothering on stigmatisation of ex-convicts, drivers’ license acquisition, and management of road traffic offenders charged to correctional facilities were addressed.

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