TheCable

Lai Mohammed, minister of information, has denied saying the federal government threatened Israel over Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu went into hiding on September 14, 2017, after a military raid on his father’s residence in Abia state.

The IPOB leader, who was being prosecuted for alleged treason, surfaced in Israel on Friday, and later threatened to return to Nigeria with hell.

News of his appearance had triggered reports quoting Mohammed as saying Nigeria would launch an onslaught on Israel if they do not return Kanu to the country.

But addressing state house correspondents on Wednesday, Mohammed said the report shows the dangers fake news poses to the country.

“I was in London when I heard the story about Nnamdi Kanu surfacing in Israel. I was not in a position to make any statement,” the minister said.

“But before I knew it, within a few hours, I saw my picture with a story saying that I had actually given Israel ultimatum to return Nnamdi Kanu otherwise, we will send them missiles.

“I just laughed. It speaks to what we are talking about fake news because it is probably the biggest threat in the run-up to the elections.”

He also said Kanu’s appearance has vindicated the federal government over speculations he was killed by the military.

“I kept saying that Kanu knows where he is. He was not in the custody of the Federal Government. We have been vindicated today. Any other statement will be made in due course,” he said.