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Military aircraft are mobilised as fires engulf British Columbia following a record-breaking heatwave.

The lawyers of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained by the Department of State Services, Abuja, have met him where it was confirmed that he was indeed arrested and detained by the Kenya government for a week, before being handed over to the Nigerian authorities.

The lawyers, led by Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who met Kanu on Friday, noted that his heart had enlarged by 13 per cent due to the dehumanising treatment and torture in Kenya and he now needs “immediate proper medical examination and attention for him.”  

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Ejiofor in an update added that Kanu had been arrested since June 18 in Kenya.

He said, “My Client - Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, was actually abducted by the accursed Kenya's Special Police Force on the 18th of June 2021 at their International Airport, and consequently taken to an undisclosed residence under dehumanising conditions.

“He was tortured and subjected to all forms of inhuman treatment which worsened his health condition. He was illegally detained for eight good days in Kenya before being transferred to their Nigerian counterpart. 

“He was purportedly investigated on a bogus charge while in their custody, ostensibly, awaiting to be handed over after their findings proved him innocent of all the spurious allegations. They later beckoned on their Nigerian Counterpart to take over.

“The Kenya government was deeply involved in the abduction, detention and ill-treatment of my Client before the illegal handover to their Nigerian counterpart.

“A scan of his heart showed that the heart has enlarged by 13% due to the dehumanizing treatment meted to him. There will be need for immediate proper medical examination and attention for him. 

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu conveyed his goodwill message to all IPOB family members worldwide, and craved for your unrelentless prayers. We are going back to the Court for the needful. Other details cannot be entertained here. His fortified legal team will address these infractions at the proper forum as we progress. Other details on our legal strategy, may not be made public.

“With Chukwuokike Abiama on our side, Victory is assured. For if God Almighty be for us, who can be against us? ”

SaharaReporters had earlier reported today that the Kenya Government strongly denied that it or its security officials were involved in the arrest and extradition of Kanu.

See Also International Present Proofs That We Were Involved In Nnamdi Kanu's Arrest— Kenyan Authorities Tell Nigerians 0 Comments 8 Hours Ago

The Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Wilfred Machage, who addressed a press briefing in Abuja, had stated that anyone or group with proofs that Kenyan security officials, agencies or the government arrested Kanu should be free to share them. 

Machage added that Kenya, like several other countries, have been named in recent days as where Kanu was arrested, saying Nigerians should demand the true answers from their government, who made the arrest and not from Kenya. 

Machage had said, “One, Nnamdi Kanu; I want to address this allegation by denying that Kenya was involved in the alleged arrest and extradition to Nigeria of Mr Kanu, and I repeat, I want to address this allegation by denying that Kenya was involved. 

“These allegations are fictional, imaginary and exist to fuel antagonistic feelings between the southern section of the Nigerian people against the Kenya peole, and indeed many countries have been accused. 

“Rwanda, Czech Republic, Britain, Ethiopia and God knows which other country. I want to challenge anyone with facts relating to this arrest through Kenya to present these facts.”

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The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has elected Comrade Iyanu Looto, popularly known as Marley as its National Financial Secretary.

Iyanu, a 23-year-old student of the Ondo State University of Science and Technology, Okitipupa was elected at a special extraordinary Senate meeting of the association in Akure, Ondo state.

Speaking to newsmen, the new NANS leader said the movement to give the association back to young comrades had been actualised.

“My election is mainly for the betterment of Nigerian students. All funds received on behalf of the association will be properly recorded and deposited to NANS’ treasury. The era of people turning their personal accounts to NANS own is over. 

“I also want people to know that NANS is not only for tertiary institutions, it’s time to break NANS down to the lowest level nursery, primary and secondary schools. It’s so sad that these students don’t have advocates.“

Meanwhile, the outgoing President of the association, Comrade Danielson Bamidele Akpan in a statement obtained by SaharaReporters congratulated Iyanu and Comrade Abdulmajeed Oyeniyi who was elected as National President.

Akpan again debunked speculations that he handed over to a new leadership led by Sunday Asefon.

The latest election comes a few months after a faction in the association announced Asefon as its President amid chaos and violence that characterised its convention at the old parade ground, Abuja.

About 20 members of the association, who gathered at the old parade ground in Abuja for the convention held in December 2020, sustained wounds from gunshots and machetes after thugs loyal to a factional coordinator of the association in Zone D (Southwest) began attacking delegates.

A few weeks ago, Asefon, a factional President was accused of collecting N70 million from the Nigerian government and Kogi state governor, Yahaya Bello to attack human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and others.

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The Methodist Church Nigeria has passed a vote of no confidence on the British Methodist Church, over the latter’s approval of same-sex marriage.

This was disclosed on Friday, in a statement issued by the Director, Media and Public Relations, Oladapo Daramola of the Nigerian variant of the church.

According to Daramola, the position of MCN was made known by its Prelate, Chukwumerije Kanu-Uche, in a message shared with members on Friday, NAN reports.

Kanu-Uche had explained that MCN was cutting formal ties with the British Methodist Church due to the latter’s decision to vote in favour of same-sex marriage at the just-concluded conference.

“I wish to let you know that I was invited to the British Methodist Conference this year, 2021 but I was duly represented by Rt. Rev. S. R. Nortey.

“He was part of the Conference and he has given me preliminary information and report.

“I have requested him to publish and circulate the full report on the SSM to the Conference office and all of us,” he said.

He also noted that the current stance of the British Methodist Conference was predicted by John Wesley that, “a time will come when the Methodist Church will exist as a dead sect, having the form of religion and denying the power thereof unless they continue with the spiritual fervency with which they first started.”

The prelate, therefore, renounced the British Methodist Church as the Mother Church of MCN.

“She is only a sister Church. MCN gained autonomy in 1962 and became autocephalous in 1963. So, we can part ways with the British Conference and have nothing to lose.

“I only pity those romancing with them because of pecuniary interest.

“Suggestion to write or visit the British Methodist Conference is an insult on Methodist church.”

He, however, said the Church will wait to receive a detailed report from the accredited delegate to the Conference and take an informed decision at August 2021 consultation.

“As a remedial measure let every Bishop, and Archbishop tell our members that MCN does not support gay or same-sex marriage,’’ Kanu-Uche said.

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The identities of the two students of Kaduna State College of Education, Gidan Waya, Jema’a Local Government Area of Kaduna state, who were killed by security operatives have been revealed.

The deceased are Zakari Abbas and Emmanuel, aka DJ Skibbo.

The Registrar of the institution, Timothy Marcus, in an internal circular confirmed demise of the two students.

SaharaReporters had reported how students who were protesting over hike in their school fees were shot by security operatives.

See Also Breaking News BREAKING: Many Feared Dead As Security Operatives Shoot Students Protesting Tuition Hike In Kaduna 0 Comments 4 Days Ago

Hundreds of the students had gathered at the school gate to protest the hike by the Nasir El-Rufai-led state government but met resistance from the security agents drafted to foil the protest.

Meanwhile, the remains of the deceased have been laid to rest.

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Nigerian senior lawyer and human rights activist, Femi Falana (SAN) has petitioned Juan Gonzalez, special aide to the United States of America’s President Joe Biden over the continued detention of Venezuelan diplomat, Alex Saab by Cape Verde.

 

Falana expressed his displeasure, in the letter, about the case as he stated that the US government was aiding Cape Verde to violate the envoy’s human rights. 
 

Femi Falana, SAN.

The legal practitioner also accused the US of mounting pressure on Cape Verde to disregard binding decisions from the ECOWAS Court of Justice which ruled that Saab’s detention was illegal, thus his extradition process be terminated.

 

Falana also revealed how disappointed he was that he had written President Biden twice on the matter, but got no response from him.

 

A copy of the letter dated July 2, 2021, signed by Falana was made available to SaharaReporters on Friday.

 

Saab, a Special Envoy of Venezuela and Alternate Permanent Representative of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela to the African Union, while on a special humanitarian mission to Iran on behalf of Venezuela, was arrested and has been detained in Cape Verde since June 12, 2020.

 

He was to be extradited to the US to face money laundering charges.

Despite a ruling by the ECOWAS Court of Justice on 15 March 2021, declaring that his arrest and detention were arbitrary, ordering his immediate release and the termination of the extradition proceedings against him, he still remains in detention in Cape Verde.

 

Falana, however, said in the letter, “I have written to President Biden twice in the past few months in respect of the illegal detention of Ambassador Alex Saab, however, disappointingly received no reply. Perhaps I may be luckier with you.

“I have read with great interest your attributed comments on how you wish for the matter of Alex Saab and his extradition to the United States from the Republic of Cape Verde be dealt with without political interference.

“As ambassador Saab's lead ECOWAS counsel I congratulate you on your wise words. However, we both know that the only political pressure that is being applied in this case is by the United States on Cape Verde.

“You have expressed a desire for the rule of law to prevail in relation to Ambassador Saab’s extradition and illegal detention, yet the United States has mounted pressure on Cape Verde to ignore binding decisions from the ECOWAS Court of Justice declaring Ambassador Saab’s detention to be illegal and the extradition process be terminated.

“The United States has also pressurised Cape Verde to ignore rulings from the United Nations Human Rights Committee that the extradition process being carried out against Ambassador Saab be halted.

“It is undoubtedly clear that it is the United States that has pushed Cape Verde to ignore Ambassador Saab’s immunity and inviolability and it is the United States which has pushed Cape Verde to ignore the findings of the respected Geneva public prosecutor, who after a three-year investigation has declared that there is no basis for supporting allegations of money laundering against Ambassador Saab.

“I ask you therefore Mr Gonzales which rule of law precisely is it that you would like Cape Verde to follow? One that is dictated by the United States in pursuit of its selfish politically motivated judicial overreach or one that is based upon long established international law and binding treaties between independent sovereign states?

 
“It appears that you are not even willing to allow Cape Verde to follow its own Constitution and laws! It may interest you to know that the maximum time permitted for the Honourable Constitutional Court to rule on Ambassadors Saab’s appeal has now lapsed and there is no option but for him to be immediately released. Perhaps you will instruct Prime Minister Ulisses Correia on which law he is permitted to follow whilst he is in Washington these next few days?

“I put it to you Mr Gonzalez that the United States has no interest in the due legal process being followed when it comes to Ambassador Saab. The interest of the United States is only that its political will alone be obeyed no matter what cost has to be borne by Cape Verde.

“If the United States truly means what you say then, please explain to the entire world, which is listening to your words and measuring them against your actions, what gives you the right to place your political hegemony above the requirements of customary international law?”

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The umbrella body for Yoruba Nation agitators, Ilana Omo Oodua has called on the Lagos State Commissioner of Police to warn his men to arrest anyone who participates in the Yoruba Nation mega rally slated for Saturday in Lagos.

This was contained in a letter signed by the secretary Olasupo Ojo and addressed to the the Lagos Police boss, Hakeem Odumosu, on Friday. 

The group noted that the Commissioner ought to be conversant with the law which allows for peaceful rallies to be held in Nigeria. 

Ilana Omo Oodua also warned that should any of the protesters be attacked by the police, the attention of the international community has already been drawn to the threat by the Commissioner, and anyone responsible for such attacks will be held responsible. 

The group, therefore urged the Commissioner to maintain professionalism in the discharge of his duties, requesting that he mobilise police officers to protect protesters from 'disgruntled elements' who might want to disrupt the peaceful rally.

The letter read, “The attention of our organisation has been drawn to a statement made by you at a press conference expressing your opposition to the peaceful rally holding in Lagos on the 3rd day of July 2021.

“We are happy that you already have notice of the fact that the peaceful rally is well planned to hold in Lagos. We are equally happy to hear you say that the rally was planned to be peaceful even though you said you do not believe it could be peaceful. We also note your unfortunate threat to violate the rights of participants in the peaceful rally.

“Well, be informed that this peaceful rally is not the first and won't be the last to be organised by our organisation to sensitise our Yoruba people including you to the existence of, and need to exercise our lawful fundamental right to self-determination provided for in Article 20 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples Rights as domesticated in the laws of Nigeria as follows:

“All peoples shall have the right to existence. They shall have the unquestionable and inalienable right to self-determination. They shall freely determine their political status and shall pursue their economic and social development according to the policy they have freely chosen.

“Every person shall be entitled to freedom of expression, including the freedom to hold opinions and to receive and impart ideas without interference.
 
“Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons and in particular he may form or belong to any association for the protection of his interests.

“We are happy to hear you confirm your awareness of the plan by some 'disgruntled elements to infiltrate and disrupt the rally'. In the light of this, we deem it necessary to remind you as commissioner of police in Lagos state that you have no lawful power or duty to prevent our peaceful rally and your professional responsibility as a noble police officer is to provide adequate security for the conduct of the rally. 

“This is confirmed in the case of Inspector General of Police Vs All Nigeria Peoples Party & Ors (2008) 12 WRN 65 in which the court of Appeal held the fundamental rights of Nigerian citizens to assemble freely and protest without any inhibition whatsoever. We believe that as a law enforcement officer, you are aware that the Court held as follows:

"A rally or placard carrying demonstration as become a form of expression of views on current issues affecting government and the governed in a sovereign state. It is a tread recognised and deeply entrenched in the system of governance in civilized countries — it will not only be primitive but also retrogressive if Nigeria continues to require a pass to hold a rally. We must borrow a leaf from those who have trekked the rugged path of democracy and are now reaping the dividend of their experience.

“We, therefore, urge you as a well brought up person to maintain neutrality and ensure the provision of adequate security during the peaceful rally, processions and marches the same way and professional manner the police commands in Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Kwara States performed their lawful functions and ensured that rallies held in their domains were peaceful.

“We also urge you to order your police personnel not to attack any peaceful participant at the rally as we have drawn the attention of the international community and organisations to your statement and shall hold any person accountable for their act or omission in connection with the professional maintenance of peace and order during the peaceful rally which shall proceed as planned in Lagos tomorrow.”

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Members of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, IMN, stormed the streets of Abuja to protest against the continued incarceration of their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky, and his wife, Zeenat. 

The protesters included some Muslim worshippers who had just left various mosques after the Jumaat Service at Wuse Zone 3 by the National Headquarters of the Nigerian Customs Service (NIS) on Friday.

File photo used to illustrate story.

A Kaduna High Court has fixed July 29, 2021, for the ruling in the no-case submission of his lawyer, Nigerian Tribune reports.

El-Zakzaky is being held in police custody following accusations that he led a violent group on several occasions to clash with law enforcement agencies, including the army, in the last few years.

The IMN has denied the allegations, describing Shi'ites as peaceful people. 

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A Nigerian soldier fighting Boko Haram in Borno has narrated how his colleague also at the front fighting insurgency died due to lack of medical attention.

The soldier, who spoke with SaharaReporters on condition of anonymity, said his colleague has since been battling with an ailment but his trip home was delayed. 

File Photo

He said in the absence of medical attention, his colleague wanted to go home to get proper treatment, but the trip was delayed, eventually costing him his life.

He said the colleague died shortly after he got home.

He said many other soldiers who are very sick are still in the bush fighting Boko Haram to the detriment of their health.

According to him, the standard procedure requires that such people should be taken off the front, given proper treatment, and allowed to get back on their feet. 

"He was sick here in the bush, but he went home and died. The man had been dying slowly. I am tired of the country. I don't feel happy when wrong things are happening. I will soon quit the army to work in a place where I will have freedom of speech," he said.

"We still have some people that are medically unfit but are still here which isn't supposed to be so. It's sad because if this were to be a United Nations operation or that of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), they'll drop you even if it's only high blood pressure that you have. 

"But now those that have health issues are here in the bush fighting. Were it to be an operation that they feel they'll make more and get other benefits, they'll deny them. This should not be the case but what are we going to do? That's the situation we find ourselves in at the moment,” he added. 

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A foreigner suspected to be a Nigerian, James Maria has allegedly duped an Indian female doctor, Shahila Kumar of a sum of Rs 41 lakh (about N23 million) on Wednesday, New Indian Express reports.

Kumar, a herbal doctor from Mehedipatnam, a Hyderabad city approached the police after she was duped by the accused of Rs 41 lakh, who the police suspect is from Nigeria.

Indian police

The accused, claiming to have hailed from the United Kingdom, wanted to buy herbal medicine formula from the victim, Kumar, for Rs 5 crore. 

According to the police, Shahila had been in contact with the accused, who introduced himself as James Maria, a medical agent, for a couple of years.

A few months back, he planned to buy herbal medicine formula from Shahila for Rs 5 crore. She later got a call from another person who claimed to be from the RBI, Delhi. The person asked Kumar to pay Rs 26 lakh in tax amount, and she did as communicated.

A couple of days back, she received a call from another person who claimed to be from the Customs and asked to pay Rs 16 lakh. The victim then paid the said amount. 

Later, when the supposed RBI and customs officials, and the buyer switched off their phones, she realised she had been defrauded, so she lodged a complaint.

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