News
Oba Ewuare II Receives 119 Repatriated Benin Bronzes
The Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, has warned against what he called modern political interests seeking to erode the cultural dignity of the Benin people.
He stated this in Benin on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, while receiving 119 Benin bronze looted from the Ancient Kingdom during the infamous British invasion of 1897.
The Dutch authorities, through their Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, signed transfer agreements facilitated by Minister Eppo Bruins and Nigeria’s NCMM Director General, Mr. Holloway.
Oba Ewuare described the artefacts returned by the Government of the Netherlands as a resounding cultural and diplomatic victory.
According to him, the return was made possible through sustained advocacy by the Benin Royal Court and formal diplomatic requests from the Nigerian Government.
Oba Ewuare II, who expressed gratitude, thanked God Almighty, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Governor Monday Okpebholo, who stood firm in ensuring the artefacts were returned rather than diverted through illicit or political means.
“There were groups in this country, backed by an international cartel, who conspired to re-loot our artefacts. They hatched a strategy to steal these treasures again, but they failed. Our ancestors protected them,” the Oba declared.
“They tried to extinguish the spirit and morale of the Benin people. But the people of this great kingdom have remained bold, brave, and courageous, even after the tragedy of 1897.”
“We must not allow partisan politics to diminish our heritage. I thank Governor Monday Okpebholo, ably represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor, for joining us in this historic celebration,” he said.
The Oba did not mince words in commending NCMM DG Olugbile Holloway for his committed role in the repatriation process, while drawing a sharp contrast with Holloway’s predecessor, whom he accused of complicity in the failed re-looting attempt.
“We fought a running battle to stop those bent on relooting. I told my Chiefs right here that I would rather the artefacts remain abroad than be re-looted while I sit on the throne,” the Monarch stated firmly.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Monday Okpebholo, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Musa Ikhilor, reaffirmed Edo State Government’s commitment to preserving the artefacts and supporting the palace in building robust infrastructure for their conservation.
“This is a moment of pride for the State, a historic triumph, 128 years in the making. It attests to the indomitable spirit of the Edo people, whose relentless advocacy has culminated in the return of these artefacts to their rightful home,” Ikhilor said.
He further assured that the State Government would continue collaborating with the Federal Government and the Benin Royal Court to enhance storage and display systems for the artefacts, to boost tourism and cultural heritage preservation in Edo State.
“We are committed to ensuring that a befitting museum is built – one that not only protects these treasures but also attracts the world to Benin, the cradle of African bronze civilisation.”
Ms. Marieke van Bommel, head of the Dutch delegation and Director-General of Wereld Museum, reiterated her country’s policy on repatriation of looted cultural heritage, stating that the 119 returned artefacts had been in Dutch collections for over a century.
“These items were undoubtedly looted, and we have returned them through our cultural restitution policy. It is only right that they return to Benin City, their place of origin,” she said.
NCMM Director-General Holloway described the occasion as both symbolic and historic. He noted that the repatriation took several years of negotiations and was enabled by the understanding and cooperation of institutions holding the artefacts.
“The Dutch museum bore all costs associated with the return. This is a joyful moment for the people of Benin and Nigeria. An official signing ceremony between Nigeria and the Netherlands will be held on June 21st at the National Museum in Lagos, with representatives from both nations and the Benin Palace in attendance,” Holloway announced.
Present at the momentous event were the Director-General of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM), Mr. Olugbile Holloway, and the Director-General of Wereld Museum, Ms. Marieke van Bommel, who led a delegation from the Netherlands and Abuja to formally return the artefacts to their ancestral home.
Thenewsnigeria.com.ng
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has sentenced the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
Naija News reports that Justice had earlier convicted Kanu on all seven counts levelled against him by the Federal Government.
The judge sentenced Kanu to life imprisonment for count 1, 2, 4,5, and 6.
He also sentenced Kanu to 20 years forcount 3 without option of fine.
The Judge sentenced Kanu to five years in prison on count seven without option of fine.
Justice Omotosho ruled that he should not be kept in Kuje prison. He forfeited Nnamdi Kanu’s radio transmitter and barred him from access to social media.
More are still coming
The Federal Government has urged the Federal High Court in Abuja to impose the death sentence on the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, following his conviction on all seven terrorism counts.
The request was made on Thursday by the FG’s lead counsel, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN), shortly after Justice James Omotosho found Kanu guilty of all charges preferred against him.
Awomolo, addressing the court after the verdict, argued that the severity of Kanu’s actions merited the maximum penalty under the law.
The senior lawyer insisted that Kanu committed “many illegalities” and should not be treated with leniency.
Awomolo further reminded the court that four of the seven counts on which Kanu was convicted carry the death sentence under Nigeria’s terrorism laws.
He urged Justice Omotosho to take this into account in determining the appropriate punishment.
“It will not be considered justice that he is isolated and punished lightly in a country where we have Boko Haram, ISWAP, Lakurawa, et cetera,” he argued.
According to the prosecution, Kanu’s actions were as destabilising as those of other violent groups and should be treated with equal seriousness.
Awomolo also urged the judge to ensure that Kanu is kept in a secure correctional facility pending the court’s final pronouncement on sentencing.
He stressed the need to prevent any disruptions or security breaches involving the IPOB leader while the sentencing process is underway.
Kanu was earlier found guilty of inciting violence, ordering attacks on security personnel, calling for killings, and issuing threats capable of terrorising the public, all captured in broadcasts tendered as evidence by the prosecution.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja, has delivered his ruling in the case between the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and the Federal Government.
Naija News reports that the judgement was given in Nnamdi Kanu’s absence after the judge had ordered security operatives to kick him out of the court over his unruly behaviour.
Nnamdi Kanu had earlier stated that the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja does not have the jurisdiction to try him.
The separatist, who has been in custody since 2021, faced seven terrorism-related charges bordering on alleged incitement, running an unlawful group, and acts threatening national security.
The IPOB leader contended that the Terrorism Prevention and Prohibition Act, under which he is being prosecuted, has been repealed.
He urged the court to strike out the charges, describing them as “disclosing no offence known to law” and therefore invalid.
Kanu also requested that the court nullify the “purported plea of not guilty” entered on his behalf, claiming it was obtained through deception and contrary to a Supreme Court ruling.
He further asked the court to set aside all subsequent proceedings and order his immediate release.
“My contention is very simple: this court lacks jurisdiction to try me,” he said.
Delivering ruling on Thursday, Justice Omotosho ruled that the court has the authority to preside over the Nnamdi Kanu case.
The judge also stated that the matter of extradition has been settled by the Supreme Court, and he ruled against Kanu in this regard.
On the issue of fairness in the hearing for Nnmadi Kanu, Omotosho ruled against the IPOB leader, stating that the court ensured he received a fair hearing.
On the defendant not entering his defence, Justice Omotosho said: “I begged the defendant passionately to enter his defence, but he remained obsolete. That shows that he chose to rest his case on the prosecution. Which is a gamble and a risky action.”
The court found Nnamdi Kanu guilty and convicted him of count 1 in the charges filed against him by the federal government.
The Judge said: “The court will rely on the uncontroverted evidence of the prosecution. This court, therefore, finds that the prosecution has discharged Count 1 beyond reasonable doubt. Consequently, the defendant (Kanu) is hereby convicted in respect of Count 1.”
More judgement is being read and this report will be updated as it comes in…….
BREAKING: Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment
Just In: FG Urges Court To Impose Death Sentence On Nnamdi Kanu
Court Finally Delivers Judgement In Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Case
-
News1 day agoJudge Declares Nnamdi Kanu An ‘International Terrorist’
-
News1 day agoCourt Finally Delivers Judgement In Nnamdi Kanu’s Terrorism Case
-
News1 day agoNAF Launch Fresh Airstrikes On Terrorists Hideout In Sambisa Forest
-
News1 day agoJust In: FG Urges Court To Impose Death Sentence On Nnamdi Kanu
-
News1 day agoBREAKING: Court Sentences Nnamdi Kanu To Life Imprisonment