Nigerian Govt Links Nnamdi Kanu To 2,671 Imported Rifles

The Nigerian Government has linked Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to the illegal importation of 2,671 pump action rifles into the country.

The government claimed that the rifles, which were earlier intercepted in batches by the Nigerian Customs in January, May, and September, could be traced to Kanu’s Turkish friend, Abdukadir Erahraman’s recent visit to Nigeria.

In a counter-affidavit submitted by the Department of State Service (DSS) against IPOB before the Abuja Federal High Court, the government was challenging the group’s opposition to its proscription and declaration as a terrorist organisation.

“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,” the counter-affidavit stated.

Meanwhile, IPOB has countered government’s claim in another affidavit.

“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,” IPOB’s counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, submitted.