I did not threaten Israel – Lai Mohammed – Local

Minister of Information and Culture Lai Mohammed denied threatening Israel.

Following the emergence of photos of the leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu In Israel, media reported that Nigeria would attack Israel if it did not fire the IPOB leader, according to social media.

Mohammed described the news as false, adding that Kanu's sudden appearance had shown that the federal government did not know where he was.

The minister said that while answering questions from reporters after the meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) at the State House on Wednesday, October 24, 2018.

according to Vanguard he said "I was in London when I heard the story of Nnamdi Kanu surfacing in Israel. I was not able to make a statement. But before I realized it, a few hours later, I saw my picture with a story saying that I had actually given Israel an ultimatum to fire Nnamdi Kanu, otherwise we would send them missiles.

"I just laugh. This speaks of what we are talking about as false news because it is probably the biggest threat in the run up to elections. That said, I have nothing to add to Nnamdi Kanu's question. In due course, the different authorities will make a statement on the Kanu issue.

"But this has proven from the beginning when Kanu disappeared and the crowd asked the Nigerian army to report on the whereabouts of Kanu; I did not stop saying that Kanu knew where he was. He was not in the custody of the federal government. We have been justified today. Any other declaration will be made in due course.

Kanu should be ignored

The minister also describes the reappearance the leader of the IPOB as a distraction, adding that there are more pressing issues in the country that concern Nigerians.

The Presidency reacts

The presidency also badured Nigerians that they had do not lose sleep the emergence of Kanu.

According to the presidential spokesman, Garba Shehu, Nigeria is strong enough to defend its territory against any form of threat.

The leader of IPOB, during his show on Sunday, October 21, 2018, said that he would return to Nigeria with hell.

He also called on his members not to participate in the elections before holding a referendum.

Nnamdi Kanu fled the country after soldiers linked to Operation Python Dance 2 allegedly launched an attack on his father's enclosure in the state of Abia in 2017.