Crime
NYFPA Condemns Omokri’s Remarks on Pastor Becky Enenche, Demands Apology
The Nigeria Youths Frontiers and Peace Advocates (NYFPA) has strongly criticized social media activist Reno Omokri over controversial comments he made about Pastor Becky Enenche of Dunamis International Gospel Centre.
Omokri, in a social media post, described Pastor Enenche as a “Yahoo girl on the altar,” sparking widespread outrage among the Christian community.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Samuel Geofrey, the NYFPA described Omokri’s remarks as “inflammatory, baseless, and deeply irresponsible,” noting that such language is unbecoming of someone who portrays himself as a political activist and public commentator.
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The group expressed concern over Omokri’s choice of words, calling it a direct attack on Christianity and the values of mutual respect in a civilized society.
“Reno Omokri’s statements are an affront to millions of Nigerians who revere their faith and spiritual leaders.
“His choice of words reflects a profound lack of respect for Christianity and the principles of dialogue and mutual understanding in a civilized society,” the statement read.
Criticism of Omokri’s Public Record
The NYFPA went further to question Omokri’s credibility, pointing to alleged inconsistencies in his career and personal life.
The group highlighted several controversies tied to the activist, including accusations of exploiting societal divisions for personal gain.
“Despite his claims of being a man of God, details of Mr. Omokri’s life are riddled with contradictions. The lack of clarity about his early education, career trajectory, and personal affiliations suggests a deliberate effort to obscure the truth.
“How can one who thrives on ambiguity in his personal life claim to be a voice of clarity on spiritual and national matters?” the statement queried.
The NYFPA also took issue with Omokri’s self-identification as a pastor, describing his establishment of a church as more of a branding effort than a genuine spiritual mission.
“His self-styled title as a ‘pastor’ has raised many eyebrows. He established a church with no visible congregation or impact, a move many perceive as a branding strategy rather than a genuine spiritual calling.
“Even the name of his supposed church was allegedly appropriated from an established ministry in Tennessee, further undermining his credibility.”
Past Scandals Highlighted
The group referenced past controversies involving Omokri, including the “Wendell Simlin” scandal, where he was accused of fabricating links between public figures and Boko Haram.
“His infamous ‘Wendell Simlin’ scandal, where he allegedly fabricated links between prominent figures and Boko Haram, epitomizes his readiness to use falsehoods for political ends. Over the years, Mr. Omokri has demonstrated a concerning tendency to align himself with political figures for personal benefit,” the statement added.
The NYFPA also criticized Omokri’s personal life, alleging that his actions contradict the values he claims to uphold.
“While often vocal about morality and relationships, Mr. Omokri’s personal life tells a different story. Reports of abandoning his wife and children in the United States, followed by his involvement with another woman, starkly contradict the values he preaches. His actions not only expose hypocrisy but also call into question his moral authority to criticize others.”
Demands for Apology
The NYFPA has called on Omokri to issue an immediate and unconditional apology to Pastor Becky Enenche and her family, warning that his failure to do so could further damage his public image.
“Omokri’s most recent attack on Pastor Becky Enenche crosses a red line, exposing his lack of restraint and disregard for constructive discourse.
“We demand an immediate and unequivocal apology to Pastor Becky Enenche and her family. Failure to do so will only further erode his already fragile credibility and expose him as a divisive figure unworthy of the respect he seeks.”
Additionally, the group urged Nigerians to reject divisive rhetoric and instead focus on fostering unity and national development.
“Instead of spreading misinformation and engaging in character assassination, Mr. Omokri should focus on using his platform to foster unity, constructive dialogue, and national development.
“The Nigeria Youths Frontiers and Peace Advocates remain resolute in our mission to uphold truth, justice, and peace. We urge all Nigerians to reject voices of division and focus on building a nation where respect and understanding prevail over baseless accusations and personal vendettas,” the statement added”
The quest for peace in the southeast of Nigeria has seen troops of the Joint Task Force South-East, “Operation UDO KA,” take out 13 armed members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and arrest three kidnappers.
The task force Spokesman, Lt. Col. Jonah Unuakhalu, revealed this in a statement in Enugu, on Monday.
According to him, the feat was in furtherance of the troops’ clearance operations to make the southeast safe and peaceful throughout the festive season.
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Lt. Col. Unuakhalu said that the Force Commander, Maj. Gen. Hassan Dada, had called on all well-meaning citizens to continue to support the joint task force.
He opined that citizens of the southeast can do this by providing timely, reliable, and credible information.
In his words, “Remember, security is everybody’s business. It is not in the hands of security agencies alone.
“When you see something, say something by calling the JTF Operation UDO KA’s toll-free line -193 and press Option 2 — to speak directly to Headquarters Operation UDO KA.”
Offering more details, Lt. Col. Unuakhalu said that troops of Sector 1 of the task force on December 21, conducted an ambush operation along Amouka-Umouka Road in 9th Mile, Udi Local Government Area of Enugu State, to deny kidnappers freedom of action.
In the course of the operation, he asserted, troops came into contact with the kidnappers, and in a firefight ensued, and the troops neutralised one while others escaped with gunshot wounds.
“Items recovered at the scene were: one AK-47 rifle, two magazines, and 17 rounds of 7.62mm Special ammunition; two cell phones; one power bank; three ATM cards; one wristwatch; a bunch of keys; and the sum of N8,900,” he said.
He added that on December 16, troops of Sector 5 conducted a clearance operation within Mbosi and Isseke general areas in the Ihiala Local Government Area of Anambra, where three IPOB members were neutralised.
“Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, two loaded AK-47 magazines, and three Dane guns, while a house belonging to one of the irredentist commanders and a shrine used for their fortification were destroyed.
“The gallant troops had earlier recovered five water gel Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and two batteries used for detonating the IEDs while on routine patrol along roads within Ihiala-Orlu, Lilu, Agba Lilu, and Orsumoghu general areas in Anambra State,” he added.
In a related development, he explained that on December 14, troops acting on credible and reliable information from members of the public arrested three suspected kidnappers at Itungwa in the Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia.
He said that on receiving the information about the movement of the suspected kidnappers, troops quickly mounted a snap checkpoint to apprehend the suspects.
“The suspects operating in a stolen tricycle on sighting the troops attempted to make a U-turn but were apprehended.
“Items recovered included: one AK-47 rifle, one G3 rifle, one locally-made single-barrel pistol, 10 rounds of 7.62mm ammunition, 34 rounds of 5.5mm ammunition, two AK-47 rifle magazines, two G3 rifle magazines, and one live cartridge.
“Other items recovered were: one mobile phone, the sum of N6,600, and two Knapsack bags used for concealing the weapons,” he said.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has urged the public to disregard the Amnesty International’s (AI) report on the #EndBadGovernance protests, which it described as false, misleading and calculated to tarnish its image.
The NPF has demanded an apology from the AI for its report dated November 28, 2024.
Biztellers reports that in the report, the AI accused the NPF of extrajudicial killings during the #EndBadGovernance protests, and that at least 24 lives were lost in six northern states.
The report, now being refuted by the NPF was titled “Bloody August: Nigeria Government’s Violent Crackdown on #EndBadGovernance Protests”.
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The NPF maintained that its findings were at variance with the AI’s allegations.
The NPF’s position was made public on Sunday by its Spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi during a media briefing in Abuja.
Adejobi asserted that a special investigative panel had been constituted to verify the claims.
He highlighted that the Police’s panel, in collaboration with commissioners of police from the affected states, conducted extensive investigations and compiled a comprehensive report which pointed out inaccuracies in the AI’s allegations.
In his words, “Amnesty International is advised to reflect on its frequent false reporting on Nigeria’s law enforcement activities and ensure its reports are accurate and contain a true and fair representation of events affecting national security and public safety.
“Accurate reporting of facts is essential to the integrity of any international organisation, and Amnesty International should not be an exception.”
Adejobi added that the Police would write to demand a retraction of the report as well as a public apology for the alleged inaccuracies.
“The Nigeria Police Force will, in due course, write to Amnesty International to demand the retraction of this report from the public domain along with a public apology. The Nigeria Police Force remains resolute in protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring the security and stability of the nation.
“We, therefore, urge the public to be wary of sensational reports designed to incite mistrust and weaken confidence in law enforcement institutions,” Adejobi said.
On the Police’s findings in Borno, Adejobi maintained that the Police didn’t use grenades as claimed by the organisation.
He said, “In Borno State, it was established that the protesters were violent, engaging in widespread looting, pillaging, and wanton destruction of public and private property.
“For example, the Skill Acquisition Centre of the United Nations High Commission for Refugees was looted and vandalised.
“The warehouse of the World Food Programme, located on Baga/Maimalari Barracks Road, Maiduguri, was also looted, with several items belonging to the international organisation destroyed and stolen by some of the protesters.
“Therefore, the claims by Amnesty International that the police threw a hand grenade from a convoy of vehicles into a filling station killing three persons is a blatant falsehood and leaves right-thinking members of society dismayed at this reported falsehood by an international agency that ought to act in accordance with international norms and standards of fair and honest reporting of human rights violations in the country.”
On Niger State, Adejobi said the claim that three individuals were shot dead in Suleja was debunked in the police findings.
Adejobi said the alleged killing of a 21-year-old in Katsina was also found to be unsubstantiated, adding that local sources confirmed that no such incident occurred.
In the same vein, on Kaduna State, Adejobi asserted that contrary to the AI’s report, no protests occurred in Kaduna on October 1, 2024, and no police killings were recorded.
He said instead, an incident involving the Nigerian Army (NA) was identified and openly investigated.
According to Adejobi, the AI reported the deaths of two women and a man during protests in Jigawa, but the Police’s investigations revealed no such killings, and evidence suggested that the lone fatality was caused by protester violence, not Police action.
On Kano State, Adejobi said the report alleged 12 deaths in Kano due to police actions, stating that investigations indicated that these deaths resulted from violent confrontations involving looters and criminals, not the Police’s activity.
Authorities in Mexico arrested a 31-year-old man on Sunday after he attempted to redirect a domestic flight to the United States, forcing an emergency landing in Guadalajara.
The Volaris Airbus A320 had departed from León, Guanajuato, at 7:17 a.m. local time and was bound for Tijuana.
However, about 45 minutes into the journey, the flight was diverted after the man tried to gain access to the cockpit.
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According to the Secretariat of Security and Civilian Protection, the man “assaulted a flight attendant and attempted to enter the cockpit to divert the flight to the United States.”
The crew, who managed to subdue the suspect, issued an alert to make an emergency landing at Guadalajara International Airport.
The man, reportedly traveling with family, was taken into custody upon landing.
In a statement, Volaris said the suspect claimed to have been acting under duress.
“The aggressor told them a close relative had been kidnapped and, upon taking off from León, was threatened to be killed if he went to Tijuana,” the airline said.
Authorities have not disclosed how many passengers were on board.
The flight resumed its journey to Tijuana after the incident, arriving without further complications.
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