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July 30, 2024 Simon Ekpa Takes Responsibility for Killing of Four Police Officers in Nigeria’s Southeast
IFMNEWS

Simon Ekpa Takes Responsibility for Killing of Four Police Officers in Nigeria’s Southeast

Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafra agitator, has claimed responsibility for the killing of four police operatives in Owerri, Imo State, in southeastern Nigeria. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Monday along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.

Tony Onwumelu, a local shop owner, confirmed the attack, stating that the gunmen targeted the police at their checkpoint near Blossom Hotel, resulting in the death of four officers. In addition to the police operatives, the attackers also fatally shot a woman, a Point of Sale (PoS) machine operator, at close range.

Witnesses suggested that the attackers might be enforcing the illegal sit-at-home order, given their method of operation, and expressed concern over the increasing violence in the area.

In a post on his X handle shortly after the attack, Mr. Ekpa announced that his Biafra Defence Forces had carried out the assault, claiming to have recovered weapons from the operatives. He often refers to Nigerian security personnel as "terrorists" and demands the withdrawal of all Nigerian security forces from the Southeast.

A video clip attached to Mr. Ekpa's post showed rifles and police case files displayed by individuals who claimed to have attacked the police. The clip, however, did not reveal the faces of the speakers.

Mr. Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, leads a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) called Autopilot and has been linked to several deadly attacks in the region. He declared a four-day sit-at-home order in the Southeast from 29 July to 2 August, excluding 1 August.

READ ALSO: Gunmen Kill Four Police Officers and Woman in New South-East Attack

There have been numerous calls for Mr. Ekpa's repatriation to Nigeria to face charges for his role in the region's insecurity. Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and other officials have urged for his extradition. The Chief of Defence Staff, Christopher Musa, and the Nigerian Senate have also sought cooperation from the Finnish government for his repatriation. However, the Finnish government has emphasized the need to consider Mr. Ekpa's rights as a Finnish citizen and adhere to Finnish legislation.

July 30, 2024 Election Losers Are Sponsoring Nationwide Protest – Akpabio
IFMNEWS

Election Losers Are Sponsoring Nationwide Protest – Akpabio

Senate President Godswill Akpabio has alleged that candidates who lost the 2023 presidential election are behind the planned nationwide protest. Speaking on Monday at the State House, Abuja, after President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage bill into law, Akpabio pointed fingers at Atiku Abubakar of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Peter Obi of the Labour Party, Omoyele Sowore of African Action Congress (AAC), and others as sponsors.

Various individuals and organizations have organized the protest in response to the economic challenges brought by Tinubu's administration. Scheduled for August 1 and 10, Akpabio suggested that the election losers aim to use the protest to gain power illegitimately.

Akpabio warned that such actions could lead to anarchy and emphasized that property destruction would only further strain Nigeria's finances. He urged the protesters to avoid violence and vandalism, stating, "Any destruction of any property will cost Nigeria money. We don’t have the money. Instead, let’s put the money into developing you and your environs instead of going to rebuild."

The Senate President also raised concerns about the potential for looting and other criminal activities under the guise of the protest. He highlighted that the current economic hardships are a result of long-standing issues from previous administrations, not Tinubu's policies alone. Akpabio urged the youth not to be misled by politically motivated groups and stressed the need for unity and constructive solutions.

Last week, Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun noted the involvement of foreign mercenaries in the protest planning, further complicating the situation.

July 30, 2024 NAMA Grounds Arik Aircraft Over $2.5m Debt
IFMNEWS

NAMA Grounds Arik Aircraft Over $2.5m Debt

The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has grounded several aircraft belonging to Arik Airline due to a $2.5 million debt. According to a statement by NAMA on Tuesday, this action follows an order from the enforcement department of the FCT High Court, concerning the debt owed by Arik to Atlas Petroleum International Ltd.

The statement explained that on July 19, 2024, the High Court's enforcement department executed an order to attach Arik’s aircraft due to the unpaid debt. Arik was notified that a public auction of the planes would take place on July 26, 2024, if the debt remained unpaid. This notice was also served to NAMA and the Minister of Aviation.

Records indicate that Arik appealed a decision from the High Court of Lagos State in 2016, which ruled against them, to the Court of Appeal. This appeal was dismissed on September 30, 2021. Arik then sought permission to appeal to the Supreme Court, which denied their application on January 9, 2024.

The judgment creditor, Atlas Petroleum, registered the Lagos State High Court's judgment with the High Court of the FCT. On June 26, 2024, Justice O. A. Adeniyi ordered the attachment of all Arik's moveable properties, including aircraft with registration numbers B737-700/5N-MJF, B737-800/5N-MJQ, DASH8-Q400, and 5N-BKX, to satisfy the judgment debt. These orders were also served to NAMA and the Minister.

Arik obtained an ex-parte order to stop further execution of the initial order, although this has not been formally served to NAMA. Despite this, NAMA decided to ground the aircraft to preserve the court's jurisdiction and prevent tampering with the disputed property.

The statement further emphasized that the Minister, a legal practitioner and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, understands the implications of the Supreme Court's order and will comply to avoid risking his license.

Both parties are encouraged to resolve their dispute swiftly so that the grounded Arik aircraft can return to service.

July 30, 2024 Gunmen Kill Four Police Officers and Woman in New South-East Attack
IFMNEWS

Gunmen Kill Four Police Officers and Woman in New South-East Attack

Gunmen have killed four police operatives and a woman in Imo State, South-East Nigeria. The attack occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Monday along the Owerri-Onitsha Road in Owerri, the state capital.

According to local shop owner Tony Onwumelu, the assailants struck the police checkpoint near Blossom Hotel, killing the four officers. They also fired at passers-by, resulting in the death of a woman who operated a POS business at the junction. She was shot at close range.

Another witness, who wished to remain anonymous, suggested that the attackers might be enforcers of the illegal sit-at-home order due to their indiscriminate shooting. The area has recently seen a rise in gunmen attacks.

A video circulating on WhatsApp shows the aftermath of the attack, with the POS operator's body lying in a pool of blood near her table and chairs. The bodies of the police operatives were also visible—two on the ground and two in their Hilux pickup truck, one in plain clothes.

Imo State Police spokesperson Henry Okoye confirmed the killings, attributing the attack to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The operatives were ambushed while on routine patrol at Irete on the Owerri-Onitsha Expressway.

Police Commissioner Aboki Danjuma condemned the attacks as "gruesome" and has mobilized tactical units and intelligence resources to track down the perpetrators. Security in Imo State has been deteriorating, with frequent attacks targeting security agencies, government officials, and facilities.

This attack follows a similar incident exactly one month prior, where six people were killed in Okigwe Local Government Area. The Nigerian government has accused IPOB of being behind these attacks, although the group has consistently denied involvement. IPOB is advocating for an independent Biafra, separate from the South-East and parts of South-South Nigeria.

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