Kanu: IPOB grounds South East as Ozekhome joins defence team - Newstrends
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Kanu: IPOB grounds South East as Ozekhome joins defence team

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Commercial and social activities were crippled across the five states of the South East, yesterday, following a directive by the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) to residents to remain indoors in solidarity with leader of the group, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, whose treasonable trial resumed in an Abuja court, yesterday.

Our correspondents who went round major cities and towns in Anambra, Abia, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi reported that the order received various levels of compliances ranging from total and partial.

Residents of some parts of Nnewi, Nnobi and Ichi in Nnewi North, Ekwusigo and Idemili South local government areas of Anambra State scampered for  safety following the appearance of gunmen suspected to be enforcers of the sit-at-home order. There was pandemonium when the gunmen arrived in Sienna vehicles and warned that nobody should be seen on the roads.

Although nobody was harmed, the gunmen forced some drinking joints within Nnewi community to close abruptly and chased away their customers.

Earlier in the morning, the major areas in Nnewi including Bank Road, Nkwo Nnewi Roundabout, Nwany Imo Bus Stop, Izuchukwu Junction and Nnobi Road were all blocked with used tyres to prevent vehicular movements.

Hoodlums invaded a catholic church in Awada area, Onitsha and disrupted an early morning Mass.

The masked and weapon wielding hoodlums stormed St. Mother Theresa of Calcutta Catholic Church, Awada close to Oraifite Street/Ukaegbu junction around 5.45am and forcefully dispersed parishioners.

Investigations revealed that the hoodlums continued their violent activities at Ezeiweka road and Onitsha Owerri road Upper Iweka axis where they destroyed stalls and looted goods .

Schools, banks, markets  and petrol filling stations were shut in Onitsha.

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In Abakaliki and its environs, popular International Market located on the Tran-Sharan-Highway and commercial banks were all deserted.

All major roads in the city including Water Works Road, Ogoja Road, Afikpo Road, Ogbaga Road, Old Enugu Road, and Mile 50 among others were devoid of human and vehicular movements. Parks, relaxation centres and eateries were also shut.

Government offices were almost empty as only few workers came to work. 

In Owerri, capital of Imo State, roads, shops, majors  banks, schools, offices, service  stations, upscale eateries were  shut. Fuel stations including the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and markets including the popular Eke-Onuwa, Relief and Alana markets in Owerri were totally lockdown.

However, in the suburbs of the state capital such as the World Bank and Umuguma areas, some traders opened for businesses. One of the traders said he had to open as remaining at home would not provide food for his family.

“I plead with President Buhari to free Nnamdi Kanu so that the people can do their business without fear. Things are hard. Federal Government should release Nnamdi Kanu. But those who must work everyday to be able to eat should not be forced to sit at home, facing hunger,” he pleaded.

In the university town of Nsukka, in Nsukka Local Government Area of Enugu State, markets, motor parks, commercial banks, fuel stations, shops, public, privates and missionary schools did not open in compliance of the sit-at-home order.

Although there were free but scanty movements of people and vehicles on the roads.

At the ever-busy Old Motor Park and Peace Mass Transit Park all in  Nsukka town was deserted by both passengers and management, even as all the entrance of Ogige Main Market, Nsukka were under lock and key.

Kanu challenges fresh terrorism charges, hires Ozekhome

Detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi  Nnamdi Kanu, has engaged foremost constitutional lawyer, Mr.  Mike Ozekhome, SAN, to lead his defence team in the fresh terrorism charges slammed against him by the Federal Government.

Meanwhile, proceedings in the trial have been adjourned to Wednesday by Justice Binta Nyako.

In his new brief, Ozekhome was at the court in company with Ifeanyi Ejiofor, who had earlier been leading Kanu’s legal team.

Ejiofor confirmed to newsmen that the change of leadership was to effectively tackle the challenge of the Federal Government.

Ozekhome told newsmen that his decision to take over Kanu’s defence was based on the fact that he was facing an incompetent charge.

“Right to self-determination is inalienable. It is guaranteed under both the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the African Charter on Peoples’ Rights. I am here today because I believe that the charge against the defendant is baseless,” he said.

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Meanwhile, the arraignment of the pro-Biafra agitator has been stalled following his objection to the fresh charges.

Kanu, who appeared before the Abuja division of the Federal High Court on Monday, accused the Federal Government  of ambushing him with the new charges.

He accordingly asked the court to allow him time to study the new charges before his plea could be taken.

He was expected to take a fresh plea to an amended 15-count treasonable felony and terrorism charge preferred against him.

The adjournment followed Kanu’s complaint that the Federal Government failed to promptly serve him the fresh 15-count amended charge it brought before the court.

Kanu, through his  team of lawyers, led by Ozekhome, further accused government of denying him the necessary facility to defend the charge against him.

Ozekhome told the court that the amended charge was served on them barely 24 hours to the scheduled hearing.

“With due respect, that is not justice. It is ambushing. I know that the Administration if Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) allows them to amend, but this is the 6th amendment they are making, and each time they do it, they serve us a day to the hearing, just to frustrate the trial,” Ozekhome added.

On his part, the prosecution team, led by Mr. Mohammed Labaran from the Federal Ministry of Justice, said it was not opposed to the court granting a short adjournment to enable the defence lawyers to study the charge.

Before adjourning the case till Wednesday,  Justice Nyako ordered the Department of State Services (DSS) to allow Kanu have a change of clothes.

“I don’t want to see him in this cloth again. This one is almost off-white. Also make sure that you allow him to exercise,” Justice Nyako added.

In the amended charge signed by the Director of Public Prosecution,  M.B. Abubakar, dated January 14, the IPOB leader, who hitherto faced a seven-count charge, was accused of attempting to use his broadcasts to “destabilize the fundamental political and economic structures of Nigeria.”

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Peller, Jarvis’ Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

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Peller, Jarvis' Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

Peller, Jarvis’ Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

  • Nigeria’s favourite TikTok couple, Habeeb “Peller” Hamzat and Elizabeth “Jarvis” Amadou, have officially tied the knot in a spectacular Lagos ceremony that blended celebrity glamour, jaw-dropping generosity, and digital-age storytelling. The #JP2026 wedding has become one of the most talked-about entertainment events of the year.

Peller and Jarvis have built their relationship in the public eye, sharing their journey through livestreams, collaborative content, and regular appearances that endeared them to millions of followers. Their wedding was the culmination of a series of pre-wedding celebrations that began with a romantic proposal at the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel in Ghana in June 2026. The couple then honoured their cultural roots with a traditional marriage ceremony in Benin City, followed by a civil wedding in Lagos on July 29. Saturday’s grand white wedding brought together family, friends, and fans to witness the union of two of Nigeria’s most influential digital creators. The bride and groom dazzled in their wedding attire, with Peller donning an elaborate Edo-inspired outfit that paid homage to his heritage, while Jarvis complemented him in a breathtaking bridal ensemble that quickly became the talk of social media.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the #JP2026 celebration was the extraordinary generosity shown by well-wishers, with gifts arriving even before the wedding day. Ahead of the ceremony, businessman and socialite Pascal Okechukwu, popularly known as Cubana Chief Priest, donated N10 million in support of the wedding. His contribution set the tone for the lavish celebrations to come. American entrepreneur and renowned TikTok benefactor Gregory Pizarro Jr. made the journey to Lagos specifically for the occasion. During a meeting with Peller at his hotel, he presented the groom with a cash gift of $20,000, demonstrating the global reach of the couple’s influence. Chief Executive Officer of Promiseland Estate, Lawrence Emmanuel, gifted the couple a plot of land in Abuja valued at N150 million, providing them with a valuable asset in the nation’s capital.

However, the biggest surprise of the day came during the wedding reception when real estate entrepreneur King Ochacho, speaking on behalf of his family, announced the gift of a fully furnished luxury mansion in the upscale Life Camp district of Abuja. The property is reportedly valued at an astonishing N400 million. Presenting the gift, King Ochacho explained his motivation: “I and my family left everything we are doing in Abuja just to come through for Peller because he is an inspiration to this generation.” He added that after consultations with his sons, they decided, “We want Peller to be staying close to Palace Seven,” noting that houses in that area are worth no less than N400 million.

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The ceremony attracted a who’s who of Nigeria’s entertainment and social media scene. The extensive guest list read like a roll call of the nation’s most influential personalities. The film industry was well represented by Iyabo Ojo, Eniola Badmus, Moyo Lawal, Jigan Baba Oja, and Foluke Daramola, adding their star power to the celebration. The music industry showed up in full force with Zinoleesky, Seun Kuti, Femi Kuti, Tanzanian singer Juma Jux, and Fuji musician Sule Alao Malaika, who kept guests entertained with electrifying performances. The digital space was represented by Nons Miraj, Papaya Ex, Cute Abiola, Isbae U, Aunty Ramota, Geh Geh, and countless others who have built their careers alongside Peller and Jarvis. Cubana Chief Priest, Daddy Freeze, Pretty Mike, and Soso Soberekon were among the distinguished guests, along with Gregory Pizarro Jr., who made the trip from the United States specifically for the wedding.

Staying true to their reputation as digital content creators, Peller and Jarvis made history by streaming the wedding live across YouTube and Twitch. The livestream attracted over 50,000 virtual guests, who flooded the comment sections with well wishes from every corner of the globe. The decision to broadcast such an intimate moment demonstrated the couple’s commitment to their fans and their understanding of modern celebrity culture. Viewers from North America, Europe, Africa, and Asia tuned in to witness the event in real-time.

The wedding venue was nothing short of spectacular, featuring luxury automobiles on display that showcased the couple’s taste for fine things, coordinated aso-ebi attire that created a visually stunning sea of colours, a competition with a reported N5 million prize for the best-dressed attendee, and live Fuji music performances by Sule Alao Malaika that kept the energy high throughout the celebration.

One of the most talked-about moments of the wedding was the appearance of content creator Emmanuel Obruste, better known as GehGeh, as one of Peller’s groomsmen. GehGeh made a grand entrance in a Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, and videos of him dancing with the other groomsmen quickly went viral across social media platforms. His enthusiastic participation surprised many because he had previously been a vocal critic of Peller’s decision to marry. In a past interview, GehGeh argued that financial success was not the sole basis for marriage, stressing that Peller was “still growing as a child” and needed to be ready “mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.” The irony of his role at the ceremony sparked mixed reactions online, with some praising him for supporting his friend despite their differences, while others questioned his previous stance. Regardless, his presence added another layer of intrigue to the high-profile event.

The Peller and Jarvis wedding represents more than just a celebrity union; it signals the mainstream acceptance of digital creators as cultural icons. A generation ago, social media influencers were dismissed as passing fads, but the #JP2026 celebration demonstrates that content creators now command the same respect, influence, and wealth as traditional celebrities. The sheer value of the gifts received—totalling hundreds of millions of naira—reflects the economic power of the creator economy and the willingness of business leaders to align themselves with digital influencers.

The wedding generated massive engagement across digital platforms, with the hashtag #JP2026 trending on multiple social media networks. Fans expressed their joy, congratulations, and even envy at the couple’s good fortune. Many commentators noted that Peller and Jarvis have achieved in a short time what takes others decades, while others praised them for staying grounded despite their success. The couple has promised to continue sharing their journey with fans, hinting at future content that will document their married life.

As Nigeria’s most talked-about celebrity couple begins their new chapter, fans are eager to see what comes next. Will they expand their content empire? Will they venture into other business pursuits? One thing is certain: Peller and Jarvis have proven that with talent, dedication, and the right connections, the digital world can open doors to unimaginable success. The #JP2026 wedding has set a new standard for celebrity weddings in Nigeria, blending traditional values, modern influence, and extraordinary generosity into an event that will be remembered for years to come.

 

Peller, Jarvis’ Glamorous Lagos Wedding: N400m Mansion, $20,000 Gift, Over 50,000 Virtual Guests

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Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

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Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

Troops of the Nigerian Army have arrested three suspects allegedly linked to the killing of a soldier during a deadly ambush in Imo State and recovered several weapons, including military rifles believed to have been stolen during the attack.

The arrests followed months of intelligence-led investigations and coordinated operations conducted by troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade under Operation UDO KA (OPUK) across Rivers, Delta and Imo states.

The operation was launched after an ambush on May 4, 2026, in which one soldier was killed, another sustained injuries and service weapons were reportedly taken away by the attackers.

Security sources said sustained intelligence gathering, targeted raids and the interrogation of previously arrested suspects provided information that helped investigators identify three men believed to be key suspects in the attack.

The suspects were identified as Albert Tony, popularly known as “Chiboy”; Temple Eburua, also known as “Marathon”; and Vitalis Eburua, alias “Onowu.”

Investigators reportedly established that the suspects fled to Port Harcourt, Rivers State, after the attack before relocating to Oleh in Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta State with the assistance of an associate identified as Mr Abire.

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Troops reportedly arrested Abire in Port Harcourt on July 30. During questioning, he allegedly provided intelligence that led security operatives to the suspected hideout of the three men in Delta State.

Acting on the information, troops of the 34 Artillery Brigade moved into Delta State in the early hours of July 31 and worked with personnel of the 181 Battalion to conduct a coordinated raid at Opaebe in Oleh.

The operation led to the arrest of the three suspects, who were taken into military custody for further investigation.

Following their arrest, the suspects allegedly led troops to a hideout in Ohaji/Egbema Local Government Area of Imo State, where weapons believed to have been stolen during the May ambush were concealed.

Further intelligence-led operations reportedly led security personnel to another suspected camp at Umudike Plantation, where additional weapons, ammunition and other materials were recovered.

Items recovered during the operation included one AK-47 rifle, two AK-47 magazines, one FN rifle and two FN rifle magazines believed to have been taken from the soldiers during the ambush.

Troops also recovered three additional AK-47 rifles, nine AK-47 magazines, one pistol with its magazine, 194 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition, 45 rounds of 7.62mm NATO ammunition and a fragmentation jacket.

Other materials suspected to be connected to the activities of the criminal network were also seized during the operation.

The three suspects are currently being held by the 34 Artillery Brigade for further interrogation as investigators work to identify other individuals who may be connected to the attack and determine the full scope of the group’s activities.

Military sources described the arrests and recovery of the weapons as a significant breakthrough in ongoing efforts to identify and dismantle criminal networks responsible for attacks on security personnel.

The recovery of the suspected stolen service weapons is expected to support ongoing investigations into the May ambush and help security agencies trace other individuals who may have played a role in the attack.

The operation also reflects the continued use of intelligence gathering and coordinated security operations to disrupt armed groups, recover illegal weapons and improve security across Imo State and neighbouring areas.

Troops arrest three suspects over killing of soldier in Imo ambush, recover stolen rifles

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Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

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Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

A joint military task force has rescued a senior Nigerian Army officer, Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, and a civilian, Mr Ikechukwu Onwuanra, following a 10-day intelligence-led search-and-rescue operation across forests and neighbouring communities in Enugu State.

The rescue operation was conducted by troops under Sector 1 of Operation UDO KA, involving personnel from the 82 Division Garrison, 103 Battalion (Reinforced), the Nigerian Navy Special Boat Service and the 197 Special Forces Battalion.

The joint operation was led by the Commander of the 82 Division Garrison, with support from the Air Component, which provided surveillance and helped sustain pressure on suspected criminal hideouts.

Security sources said the troops carried out extensive search operations across the Inyi, Awlaw and Akpugo-Eze forests, as well as nearby communities in Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State.

The operation reportedly intensified between the evening of July 31 and the early hours of August 1 after security personnel received actionable intelligence concerning the possible location of the abducted victims.

At about 2:00 a.m., the Divisional Police Officer of the Inyi Division alerted the troops to information pointing to the suspected location of Lt. Col. Amobi and Onwuanra.

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The troops immediately mobilised and launched a fighting patrol into the area, where the two victims were found abandoned at the edge of a forest in Inyi.

Reports indicated that both victims sustained gunshot wounds during their captivity. They were safely evacuated from the area and taken to Inyi before being transferred to the 82 Division Medical Hospital for treatment and comprehensive medical evaluation.

During preliminary debriefing, the victims reportedly told security personnel that they were blindfolded shortly after their abduction and taken to an unknown location.

They were later abandoned in a forest around the Enugu–Anambra border as sustained military operations restricted the movement of their captors and placed them under increasing operational pressure.

Military sources attributed the successful rescue to the persistent intelligence-led offensive mounted by the joint force, supported by aerial surveillance and coordinated ground operations.

The sustained pressure reportedly disrupted the kidnappers’ activities, limited their freedom of movement and forced them to abandon the victims before fleeing the area.

The rescue highlights the continued use of coordinated intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and joint security operations in efforts to tackle kidnapping and other criminal activities across parts of the South-East.

The military is expected to provide further information as follow-up operations and security assessments continue.

Kidnapped Lt. Col. Ofor Amobi, civilian rescued after 10-day military operation in Enugu

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