The Police Command in Cross River says it has arrested three suspected members of the Proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
Sule Balarabe, the state Police Commissioner, disclosed this during a parade of the suspects, who were arrested by the command between August and November.
The Commissioner gave the names of the suspected IPOB members as Richard Ukehad, 29; Esther Asado, 29 and Chief Isaac Ebebe, 44.
He said that the suspects were arrested at their camp in Bebe III community in Obanliku Local Government Area of the state following an intelligence report.
“On the strength of the information, the military, in collaboration with Anti-Cultism/kidnapping squad, swung into action and the three were arrested,” he stated.
The commissioner said that two dane guns, one Biafra uniform, one Biafra flag, one axe, knife, four explosive devices, two suspected explosive chemical, charms, a Police beret, and live cartridge were recovered at their camp.
Balarabe said that the suspects would be charged to court once investigation is completed on the matter.
The commissioner further said that two persons were arrested for unlawful possession of firearm while one was also arrested for armed robbery and kidnapping within the same period.
He disclosed that two AK47 riffles and 200 rounds of AK47 lives ammunition belonging to the kidnappers were recovered by the command.
While promising to rid the state of crime and criminality during and after the yuletide, the Commissioner warned politicians against violence and any unlawful act that will compromise peace in Cross River.
According to him, “The command, therefore, warns all political parties, their candidates and supporters, to play by the rule and abide by all the laws guiding election process in the country as infractions would not be tolerated.”
‘Simon Ekpa is not working for me or IPOB’ – Nnamdi Kanu
Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has revealed that his self-acclaimed disciple Simon Ekpa who ordered a recent 5-day sit-at-home in the South-East region is not working for him.
Kanu made this known through a statement issued by his lead lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, adding that the Ekpa’s activities betray the tenets of IPOB.
Vanguard reported on Friday, December 16, 2022, that IPOB also issued a statement signed by his spokesperson, Emma Powerful that Ekpa is not a member and will be exposed.
The Finland-based controversial IPOB member has been championing sit-at-home in the Southeastern part of Nigeria.
Ejiofor in the statement, however, said Ekpa should be investigated for his actions, according to Kanu.
The lawyer quoted Kanu as saying, “Simon Ekpa is not a member of IPOB. He should be investigated for the killings in the South-East and cannot be fighting for the self-determination of the Biafra people.
“The fact is clear. Simon Ekpa is being sponsored by persons we cannot mention this time to destroy the South-East. He cannot say he is fighting for Biafra’s emancipation and still instigating criminal elements to go after the people he claims he is fighting to protect.
“Members of the Eastern Security Network are somewhere killing our innocent people. This should tell you that Ekpa is acting out scripts by people who want to devour our lands. Ekpa is not my follower.
“He cannot say he is my follower or disciple. I condemn Simon Ekpa’s activities.
“I never sanctioned any sit-at-home declared by Ekpa. IPOB never authorised or sanctioned it. Go about your normal business and disregard the threats by Ekpa. He is one of the people who do not want peace in our region. Ekpa is not working for me or IPOB.”
Source: The Nation
