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Ifeanyi Agu Maxwell Narrates Ordeal As IPOB Clashes With SSS in Enugu

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At least two operatives of the State Security Service (SSS) were allegedly killed on Sunday by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), SSS claimed, meanwhile eye witness  Ifeanyi Agu Maxwell told newsmen in Enugu that many run for their lives when the security officers unleashed terror on them.

In official statement by the secessionist group , it reads 21 of its members were killed by security operatives and 47 arrested.

The incident caused tension in the area for a greater part of the day as armed police officers and soldiers were deployed.

As a result, the area witnessed vehicular and human traffic as the police combed the area in search of IPOB members.

We were Attacked – SSS

In a statement by its spokesperson, Peter Afunanya, the SSS said its patrol team was “attacked in Emene, Enugu State by members of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).”

“The Service lost two personnel in what was clearly an unprovoked violent attack launched by IPOB on the team,” Mr Afunanya said.

The agency condoled with families of the departed officers and also prayed for the repose of their souls.

SSS Intelligence operatives

“However, all measures have been put in place to ensure that their killers and everyone involved in this dastardly act are promptly apprehended and brought to justice. Consequently, a full-scale investigation will be carried out with regard to the incident.

“Once again, the Service reaffirms its commitment to assiduously work with other security agencies to maintain public safety and order. It, therefore, urges law abiding citizens and residents to go about their normal businesses without fear,” the spokesperson said.

IPOB: “We lost 21 members”

In a statement by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, IPOB said 21 of its members were killed in the clash.

Mr Powerful said 47 IPOB members were also arrested.

This medium could not independently verify the claims on casualty by the IPOB spokesman.

“The Nigerian government and her security agencies have once again exhibited another crude round of killing and massacre against the peaceful and unarmed IPOB family members in Enugu State on the 23rd of August, 2020″

“We are surprised how Nigerian security agencies in their respective formations like army, police and DSS will be slaughtering our people without any provocation.

“This rampant killing of innocent members of IPOB will be reciprocated in due cause. IPOB members have been slaughtered and arrested in their numbers across different locations in Enugu State on Sunday 23rd August 2020”

“We MUST warn and put the whole world on notice that Nigerian Government and her security operatives should stop killing our people because we are peaceful organisation with the mandate of restoring Biafra sovereignty within shortest period,”

Mr Powerful narrated his group’s version of how the violence started.

He said the IPOB members were holding a peaceful meeting when armed SSS operatives stormed the area shooting sporadically.

“The Nigerian security personnel stormed IPOB meeting ground in Enugu and started shooting sporadically which consumed lives of 21 members and 47 arrested for just no cause or provocation,” Mr Powerful said.

He alleged that the security operatives took the bodies of the slain IPOB members away.

“The security in the whole world must understand that keeping quiet and following the rule of law should not be construed as weakness on the part of IPOB.”

He said the group is a peaceful organisation and will remain peaceful despite the provocations.

“IPOB is a well rooted movement committed fully on the pursuit for Biafra freedom and independence from Nigeria. We are not a violent group and there is nothing they can do to change our resolve to maintain peace and order in our land.

“The efforts of the Nigeria government and her partners in crime in trying to push IPOB to change their tactics will amount to vanity”.

“We are warning and asking Nigeria government and her security operatives to stop this atrocity immediately. Why have they refused to confront Fulani terrorists herdsmen, Boko Haram terrorists, Ansaru group, Fulani bandits, ISIS and other groups ravaging the country and busy killing innocent and unarmed citizens of IPOB?”

Also speaking with our correspondent is one Mr Ifeanyi Agu Maxwell, he narrated his ordeal saying the security officers intentionally came to attack them during the peaceful meeting.

Ifeanyi Agu Maxwell said his yet to recover from the trauma they left behind, killing more than twenty people right in my presence, they have no regards for human life at all, is very sad that the Nigerian government can declare face off on IPOB leaving Fulani herdsmen to work freely.

Mr Poweful said “those responsible for this barbaric killing in Enugu on 23rd Of September must pay for their actions against IPOB at the appropriate time.”

“It is laughable for DSS to be claiming that they lost five personnel in the hands of unarmed and Peaceful people. It is clear to all that IPOB doesn’t indulge or carry arm or involve with any object. IPOB is a peaceful movement and we must remain so till Biafra is totally achieved”, he added.

IPOB seeks a sovereign Biafran country made up of Igbo-speaking parts of Nigeria. Its activities have been outlawed by the Nigerian government although it repeatedly says its movement is a peaceful one.

IPOB’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, fled Nigeria after he was granted bail following his trial for treason.

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Court nullifies Shell, AFC, others’ ICC arbitration in Tempo Energy suit over OML 29

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A Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja has nullified arbitration proceedings at the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), London, instituted against indigenous energy company, Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Limited, by a group of lenders who partly financed its acquisition of Oil Mining Lease (OML) 29.

The court declared the arbitration a violation of its subsisting injunctive orders.

Aiteo acquired OML 29 and the Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL) from Shell in a landmark $3.01 billion transaction concluded in 2014. The deal was largely funded by billionaire founder Benedict Peters, who contributed approximately $1 billion of his personal funds to close the purchase and restart production.

Justice S.B. Belgore gave the ruling on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, while delivering judgment in an application filed by Tempo Energy Nigeria Ltd., a minority equity contributor to the OML 29 deal.

According to court documents, the claims originated from a multi-party financing arrangement dating back to 2014. Tempo Energy alleged that several of the defendants breached their obligations under the governing facility agreements and, without including Tempo, initiated proceedings in the High Court of England and Wales and commenced arbitration before the ICC on December 11, 2020.

To protect its interest, Tempo filed a suit on January 14, 2021, seeking injunctive relief to restrain the defendants from taking any further steps in the UK proceedings and the ICC arbitration.

In a related application, filed by Tempo through its counsel, Kehinde Ogunwumiju, SAN, the FCT High Court granted interim injunctions on January 22, 2021, restraining the defendants from proceeding with the arbitration and the English court case pending the determination of the motion on notice. The court also consolidated pending applications and adjourned the matter.

The suit, marked FCT/HC/CV/079/2021, listed Aiteo Eastern E&P Company Ltd, African Finance Corporation, Ecobank Nigeria Ltd, First Bank of Nigeria, Guaranty Trust Bank, Fidelity Bank, Shell Western Supply & Trading, Shell International Trading & Shipping, Citibank Europe (UK Branch), Citibank N.A. (London Branch), FBN Trustees, Zenith Trustees, FBN Merchant Bank, Sterling Bank, Union Bank, Zenith Bank, and Dame Elizabeth Gloster as defendants.

Dissatisfied with the High Court’s ruling, the defendants filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division. However, despite the subsisting interim injunctions issued by the High Court, the defendants continued with the ICC arbitration proceedings in London from 2021 to 2024.

In a unanimous judgment delivered on April 25, 2025, the Court of Appeal affirmed the validity and subsistence of the January 2021 injunctions. The appellate court dismissed the appeal as an abuse of court process, awarded N1.5 million in costs against the defendants, and ordered an accelerated hearing of the pending applications at the High Court. It also warned that any actions taken in defiance of valid court orders may be declared void.

Following the appellate court’s judgment, at the resumed hearing before the High Court on May 20–22, 2025, Tempo Energy applied for a restorative order to nullify the ICC arbitration. Ogunwumiju, SAN, argued that the arbitral proceedings were conducted in flagrant violation of the court’s orders.

Counsel to Ecobank Nigeria and other defendants, including Mrs. Joke Aliyu and Mr. Babatunde Fagbohunlu, SAN, filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court. They argued that the FCT High Court lacked the competence to restrain foreign arbitral proceedings.

Justice Belgore dismissed the objection, describing it as incompetent and an abuse of court process. He ruled in favour of Tempo Energy and declared the ICC arbitration proceedings null and void, having been conducted in violation of subsisting court orders.

The court reiterated that the interim orders of January 22, 2021, remain valid and binding on all parties. It directed the defendants to desist from taking any further steps in defiance of its orders and awarded an additional N500,000 in costs to Tempo Energy. The matter was adjourned to September 29, 2025, for hearing of the consolidated interlocutory applications.

Aiteo had earlier sued Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria, alleging fraud, deceit, and misrepresentation in the 2014 sale of its 30% stake in OML 29. In suit number FHC/ABJ/C8/738/2021, filed before a Federal High Court in Abuja, Aiteo claimed Shell failed to fully disclose the actual condition of the oil wells and asked for $2.5 billion in compensation.

The company cited the poor condition of the asset and repeated attacks by oil thieves on its infrastructure as reasons for its inability to meet its financial obligations to creditors.

According to documents, the consortium of lenders committed approximately $2 billion in financing: Zenith Bank – $323 million, First Bank and GTBank – $200 million each, Fidelity Bank – $175 million, AFC – $125 million, Ecobank Nigeria and Union Bank – $100 million each, Sterling Bank – $60 million, and Shell Western – $512 million.

Peters’ total equity contribution included $898,237,697.35 in cash and an additional $257 million at closing to cover fees, ancillary costs, and restart production. Tempo Energy, among other small equity holders, contributed $136 million.

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“Safety Watch’’, Nigeria’s First Real-Time Security Monitoring App Debuts

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A new mobile application aimed at enhancing personal and community security has been launched in Nigeria.

The app, named Safety Watch, is the country’s first real-time security monitoring platform, offering users access to live security alerts, location tracking, and instant crime reporting.

The developers say Safety Watch is designed to help Nigerians stay informed and proactive in the face of rising security concerns across the country.

Key features of the app include:

Live Security Alerts: Users receive real-time updates about threats and incidents in their vicinity.

Real-Time GPS Tracking: The app allows users to track their loved ones or share their location with trusted contacts during emergencies.

Instant Crime Reporting: Witnesses or victims can report crimes directly through the platform, contributing to a community-sourced safety network.

Route Planning Tools: The app provides security information for travelers commuting in cities like Lagos and Abuja, or anywhere across Nigeria.

According to the developers, Safety Watch was built with community engagement in mind. User-generated reports contribute to a collective safety map, aimed at fostering more secure neighborhoods nationwide.

“Whether you’re navigating urban traffic or facing a potential threat, Safety Watch keeps you informed and connected,” the company said in a statement. “Your safety is our priority.”

The app is now available for download on the Google Play Store.

Download link: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.app.affluenceinfo

 

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Brenda Unuavworho Launches Amplify-You: Empowering Women to Amplify Their Voice and Legacy

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Brenda Unuavworho Launches Amplify-You: Empowering Women to Amplify Their Voice and Legacy

Brenda Unuavworho Launches Amplify-You: Empowering Women to Amplify Their Voice and Legacy

 

 

As part of activities to mark her 45th birthday, renowned architect, author, speaker, and empowerment coach Brenda Unuavworho will launch Amplify-You on Monday, July 7, 2025, a transformational brand designed to help women turn their stories into legacy products and step boldly into the visibility they deserve.

 

Brenda Unuavworho Launches Amplify-You: Empowering Women to Amplify Their Voice and Legacy

According to the author, Amplify-You is built on her signature five-step framework: ‘Clarify, Create, Brand, Publish, Amplify’.

 

 

Through hands-on coaching, writing contests, digital content, and immersive events, she equips women—especially professionals and experts—to move from buried ideas to bold execution.

 

“I believe every woman has a voice worth hearing and a story worth preserving,” Brenda shares. “Amplify-You is my answer to the women who are ready to show up, speak out, and shine—without apology.”

 

 

As part of the brand’s debut, Brenda will also be unveiling a powerful new book titled ‘Rise. Write. Roar’, the official Amplify-You manual. The book, she said, is now open for preorder and serves as a cornerstone resource for women ready to move from obscurity to impact.

 

 

“‘Rise. Write. Roar is a practical guide that will help women unlock their potential and amplify their voice. This book is a must-read for any woman who wants to build a legacy that speaks long after she’s gone,” Brenda says.

 

Brenda Unuavworho is a prolific author, speaker, and empowerment coach with over 18 years of experience in architecture. She leads Sterling Realties Development Company as the Business Lead and is the founder of the Women’s Growth Academy (WGA), a thriving empowerment community that helps women overcome internal limitations and live purposefully.

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