The Firearms Have Not Been Directly Linked To Nnamdi Kanu – Ifeanyi Ejiofor

The Federal Government has accused leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, of being the brain behind the importation of the 2,671 pump action rifles seized at a Lagos port.

The Tin-Can Island Command of Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) intercepted 2,671 pump action rifles imported from Turkey two months ago.

During a hearing before Justice Abdu Kafarati of an Abuja division of the Federal High Court on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, where IPOB is contesting the proscription of its activities, the Federal Government’s legal team said there’s a link between Kanu and the firearms.

In a counter-affidavit filed against IPOB’s motion, Ayuba Adam, a litigation officer in the Department of State Services (DSS), noted that a visit made to Kanu by Abdukadir Erahraman, a Turkish citizen, in July creates a connection with the firearms.

The affidavit read, “That a Turkish citizen, Abdulkadir Erkahraman, visited Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the respondent/applicant in Isiama Afara, Umuahia, Abia state sometimes in July 2017, and has been canvassing support for the secessionist agenda of the respondent/applicant. He also admonished Biafrans to rise up and fight a good fight for freedom.

“That the Nigeria Customs Service had on four occasions this year intercepted pump action rifles totalling 2,671 illegally imported into the country. Copies of the report on arms smuggling is attached herewith and marked as Exhibit FGN 2A and 2B.”

IPOB, represented by his counsel, denied the claims, saying that the firearms have not been directly linked to the missing IPOB leader.

His affidavit read, “That contrary to the erroneous deposition in paragraph 6(h) of the applicant/respondent’s counter-affidavit which is denied, the alleged pump action rifles totalling 2,671, illegally imported into the country from Turkey, was not directly traced to Nnamdi Kanu or anyone associated with him.”