News

We Trailed Nnamdi Kanu for Over 2 Years – FG

Agency Report/

The Federal Government says security and intelligence agencies were on the trail of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu for over two years before he was re-arrested.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed who disclosed this at a media briefing on Thursday in Abuja, said Kanu was living “a five-star life across several countries.

“He was travelling on chartered private jets, living in luxury apartments and turning out in designing clothes and shoes.

“Of course, as we all saw, he was wearing an attire made by Fendi, a luxury Italian fashion brand, when he was arrested,’’ he said.

The minister said Kanu’s re-arrest and repatriation was made possible through the collaboration of Nigerian security and intelligence agencies.

He described the re-arrest and repatriation as “one of the most classic operations of its type in the world’’.

Mohammed, however, did not comment on the speculations on how the re-arrest was pulled off and in which country the hitherto fugitive leader of the proscribed IPOB was nabbed.

“What we can tell you, once again, is that the re-arrest was made possible by the diligent efforts of our security and intelligence agencies, in collaboration with countries with which we have obligations.

“We will continue to respect and honour the obligations,’’ he said

Mohammed disclosed that the forensic investigation carried out so far had revealed a treasure trove of information on the proscribed IPOB leader and his collaborators.

“While the investigation continues, we assure you that none of the collaborators, irrespective of their standing in the society, will be spared.

“They will all face the full wrath of the law for their activities that challenge our nation’s sovereignty and threaten its unity.

“No one, no matter how highly placed, is bigger than the country,’’ he said.

The minister also assured that Kanu would get a fair trial in measure with the offence he was being prosecuted over.

“It is interesting that many are suddenly calling for a fair trial for Kanu as if he didn’t get one before he decided to jump bail and flee.

“However, I can assure you that the fair deal that Kanu denied many of the victims of the violence which he willfully instigated through his broadcasts and tweets will not be denied him,’’ he said.

He commended the Nigerian security and intelligence agencies for their professionalism, diligence, patriotism and painstaking efforts as well as sister international agencies that collaborated to pull off the arrest.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Kanu, who is facing an 11-count charge of treason, treasonable felony, terrorism and illegal possession of firearms, among others, jumped bail in 2017 and left the country.

He was re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on Tuesday and ordered to be remanded in the custody of the DSS, while the case was adjourned till July 26 and July 27.

*NAN

0
Editor

Recent Posts

More Deaths in Lebanon as Hizbollah Walkie-talkies Explode in Second Day of Blasts

Femi Ashekun/ Handheld walkie-talkies used by Hizbollah were detonated across Lebanon today, the militant group…

2 days ago

Humanitarian Crises in Nigeria Demand Collective Action – UN Rep Fall

… Identifies Challenges and Solutions for Humanitarian Interventions In an exclusive interview, Mohamed Malick Fall,…

2 days ago

Massive Gunrunning Syndicate Busted as Police Arrest Thousands in Major Crime Operation

Segun Atanda/ In a nationwide crackdown on crime, the Nigeria Police Force has arrested 2,740…

3 days ago

Race against Crime: AIG Fayoade Passes Baton to New Lagos CP, Moves to Zone 2 Command

Segun Atanda/ Former Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Adegoke Fayoade, officially handed over to his…

3 days ago

Focus on NLNG, Not Dangote Refinery

By Ifeanyi Igwebike Mbanefo/ On 17 September 2016, I was scrolling through Cable online news…

3 days ago

FBI Investigates Assassination Attempt on Donald Trump at Florida Golf Course

Matilda Omonaiye/ The FBI is investigating another apparent assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump…

4 days ago