Otti activates diplomatic moves for Nnamdi Kanu’s release after life sentence – Newstrends
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Otti activates diplomatic moves for Nnamdi Kanu’s release after life sentence

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Governor Alex Otti of Abia

Otti activates diplomatic moves for Nnamdi Kanu’s release after life sentence

Abia State Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, has assured citizens that diplomatic efforts to secure the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been fully activated, insisting that Thursday’s Federal High Court judgment is “not yet the end of the road.”

Kanu was on November 20, 2025, convicted of terrorism-related offences and sentenced to life imprisonment by a Federal High Court in Abuja—a development Otti described as a devastating blow to Abia State and the entire Southeast.

In a statement issued on Friday, the governor said the ruling had “broken a lot of our people,” but stressed that a political and diplomatic mechanism earlier agreed with the Federal Government would now come into effect following the conclusion of the court proceedings.

Otti explained that he has consistently advocated dialogue as the most effective way to address the IPOB issue, recalling his strong condemnation of the 2017 military invasion of Kanu’s Afaraukwu home in Umuahia. In his ThisDay column titled “Operation Python Dance: Killing a Fly with a Sledgehammer,” he had warned that forceful tactics would escalate tensions rather than restore peace.

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He emphasized that the poor handling of the IPOB matter “at the incubation stage” contributed to the current crisis, stressing that leadership must be guided by emotional intelligence, restraint, and tolerance.

The governor revealed that since December 22, 2023, he has engaged top federal officials to explore a diplomatic solution to Kanu’s case. He said some agreements were reached at the time, but they depended on the prompt conclusion of Kanu’s trial. With judgment now delivered, he expressed confidence that the alternative resolution strategy would begin immediately.

Otti added that he personally discussed the plan with Nnamdi Kanu during a visit to him in DSS custody earlier in the year, reaffirming his commitment to pursuing the agreed strategy until Kanu regains freedom.

He called on residents to remain calm and avoid any statements or actions that could inflame tensions or hinder ongoing talks with the Federal Government. Otti also cautioned politicians against exploiting Kanu’s ordeal for political gain, urging them to support efforts aimed at achieving a peaceful outcome.

“With the assurances I have received from the Federal Government, a resolution is in sight and Mazi Nnamdi Kanu will receive his freedom,” he said.

Reiterating his stance, Otti reaffirmed his dedication to securing peace and justice in the Southeast through “wisdom, high-level dialogue and diplomacy,” insisting that long-term stability can only be achieved through non-violent engagement.

Otti activates diplomatic moves for Nnamdi Kanu’s release after life sentence

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Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Godwin Emefiele

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

Former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, Godwin Emefiele, has strongly denied allegations linking him to terrorism financing in Nigeria, describing the claims as “mischievous and malicious.”

In a statement released on Saturday, December 6, 2025, Emefiele said the reports were “entirely fabricated, baseless, and a deliberate attempt to malign my name, mislead the public, and sow confusion for motives best known only to the publishers and their sponsors.”

He emphasized that the fight against terrorism is too important to be trivialized by irresponsible reporting, warning that Nigerians deserve accurate information rather than “reckless misinformation.”

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“Throughout my service to the nation and in my private life, at no time have I been involved in any activity remotely connected to terrorism, terrorist financing, or any action that threatens the peace and security of our nation,” Emefiele stated. He added that he has never been invited, questioned, or investigated regarding such allegations and has no connection to the individual cited in the media reports.

“There is no scintilla of truth in the allegation,” he said, urging the public to disregard the claims entirely and calling on media organizations to verify facts before publishing sensational stories.

Emefiele’s statement seeks to reaffirm his reputation and distances him from any activities undermining national security.

Ex-CBN Governor Godwin Emefiele Denies Allegations of Financing Terrorism

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

Vice President Kashim Shettima on Friday inaugurated the newly constructed multi-million-naira Juma’at Mosque located within the Emir of Gumel’s Palace in Jigawa State.

According to a statement by Zainab Rabo, Senior Special Assistant on Media Affairs to Governor Umar Namadi, the event drew high-level dignitaries, including top politicians, first-class emirs, captains of industry, and prominent Islamic scholars from across the country.

Rabo disclosed that the mosque was built by the Kashim Shettima Foundation, adding that Governor Umar A. Namadi and the Sultan of Sokoto graced the ceremony.

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During the occasion, the Vice President congratulated the Emir of Gumel, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani, on marking 45 years on the throne, describing the milestone as a blessing and testament to exemplary leadership.

Shettima also reaffirmed his commitment—through his foundation—to initiatives that would improve the lives of Nigerians.

The Vice President further commended Governor Namadi for his notable strides in modern agriculture, noting that Jigawa’s progress under his leadership had positioned the state competitively within Nigeria and beyond.

“Governor Namadi is equal to the task, looking at his two-year achievements and the way he transformed Jigawa in modern agriculture,” Shettima stated.

 

Shettima Inaugurates Multi-Million Naira Juma’at Mosque in Gumel

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Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

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Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has deployed a Special Enforcement Team in Lagos to enforce President Bola Tinubu’s directive ending the use of police officers as escorts and guards for Very Important Persons (VIPs).

The operation, according to a statement posted on the Force’s official X account on Saturday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, commenced at about 10:00 a.m. on December 6, 2025, across key locations in Lagos State.

Hundeyin confirmed that the team carried out compliance checks at major points, including the Lekki–Ikoyi Link Bridge, the Murtala Muhammed International Airport domestic terminal, and other strategic hotspots within the state.

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He disclosed that officers found “satisfactory and commendable” compliance with the presidential directive, with no incidents of unauthorised police escort and no arrests recorded.

“The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, reiterates the Force’s commitment to the full implementation of the presidential directive,” the statement said. “The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in redeploying its personnel to core policing duties aimed at enhancing general security, crime prevention, and the protection of lives and property nationwide.”

Hundeyin added that enforcement would continue across the country “without fear or favour,” urging Nigerians to support the push for a more professional and citizen-focused policing system.

President Tinubu had, on November 23, ordered the immediate withdrawal of police officers from VIP protection, directing that they be reassigned to frontline policing roles. According to the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, VIP protection will now be handled by armed operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC).

The policy aims to free up police manpower for critical security operations, particularly in underserved communities, and enhance overall national security efficiency.

Police Launch Special Enforcement Team to Enforce Tinubu’s Ban on VIP Escorts

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