Ohanaeze UK suspends leading member after he reveals Nnamdi Kanu's house is worth £10m

OHANAEZE Ndigbo UK has suspended one of its leading members Professor Joe Ukamenem after he declared that Indigenous People of Biafra (Ipob) leader Nnamdi Kanu owned a house worth £10m in Britain.

Criminology lecturer Professor Ukamenem, was quoted in an interview with the Sun Newspapers as saying that Mr Kanu had no traceable business to justify his wealth. Adding that there is no evidence of tax returns or national insurance contributions on the part of the Ipob leader, Professor Ukamenem questioned how Mr Kanu could afford such a house.

In a swift response, however,  Uche Osuigwe, the secretary-general of Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK, said the body played no role in the interview. In a letter written to Mr Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, he revealed that the UK chapter of Ohanaeze Ndigbo has suspended Professor Ukemenam following the allegation.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK's letter read: “Per our discussion of the above-referenced matter, please see attached copies of the suspension letter served to Prof Joe Ukemenam by Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK and the general disclaimer issued by Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK on the matter. By the letter, Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK totally disclaims any role in the said interview and any allegations or references made therein.

“But even as Ohanaeze Ndigbo UK played no role whatsoever in such an interview, we have taken it upon ourselves to disclaim it and extend our sincerest apologies to whosoever the interview offends. Please extend our warm greetings to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and assure him of our abiding respects and high regards for his person. Please accept the assurance of our highest esteem.”

Mr Osuigwe, added that the suspension of Professor Ukemenam which was agreed upon at an extra-ordinary emergency meeting yesterday, would give way for an investigation. His suspension was disclosed in a statement signed by Kingsley Offor, deputy president; Charles Nwaogwugwu, deputy publicity secretary and Chief Uche Osuigwe, secretary general.