Crime
DHQ Hails Simon Ekpa’s Arrest In Finland, Seeks Extradition To Nigeria
The Defence Headquarters has commended the Finnish authorities for arresting separatist leader Simon Ekpa, describing the development as a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
In separate statements, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, and Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, lauded the arrest as a crucial victory. Both spokespersons highlighted the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa’s, satisfaction with the action.
“The CDS is pleased with his arrest in Finland, expressing hope that it will pave the way for his extradition to Nigeria to face justice,” Brigadier General Gusau stated on Thursday.
Similarly, Major General Buba emphasized that the arrest underscores international collaboration in combating terrorism. “The CDS has persistently advocated for Simon Ekpa’s apprehension due to his significant role in fueling terrorism in southeastern Nigeria. We are thrilled by this development and grateful for the international community’s support,” he added.
Background of Simon Ekpa’s Case
On March 23, the Defence Headquarters declared Simon Ekpa wanted for inciting violence in Nigeria’s South-East region. He was listed alongside 96 other individuals accused of terror-related activities nationwide.
Ekpa was apprehended on Thursday in Finland, alongside four others, over allegations of terrorism, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism. A district court in Lahti, Finland, has ordered his remand on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria. The charges reportedly trace back to August 23, 2021.
Allegations Against Ekpa
Ekpa, a vocal proponent of separatist propaganda tied to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is accused of using social media platforms to incite violence and promote secession in Nigeria’s South-East. The Finnish authorities have also previously investigated him for financial crimes, including soliciting funds through dubious means.
This arrest signals growing international cooperation in addressing terrorism and reinforces Nigeria’s efforts to curtail violence and extremism.
Crime
Three Killed, One Injured in Fresh Jos Attack (Video)
The attack comes 48 Hours After Bola Tinubu Visit.
Three people have been killed and one injured in a fresh attack in Nyamgo Gyel, Jos South LGA of Plateau State, raising fresh concerns over insecurity in the area.
The attack occurred just 48 hours after President Tinubu’s visit to Plateau, where he met stakeholders on security.
The victims, Luka Sandu Pam (36), Samuel Davou (38), and Deme Saidu (36) were ambushed around 7 p.m. on Friday while returning from Gero on a motorbike.
They were part of a group of about 15 youths heading home from a mining site. Eyewitnesses say the group was attacked by suspected armed herdsmen, forcing others to flee.
Gyel Youth Leader, Dung Davou, confirmed the incident, while Chairman of the Berom Youth Moulders.
Association, Barrister Solomon Dalyop, described the killings as a sign of worsening insecurity. He noted the victims had gone to observe Good Friday before the attack.
Police spokesperson SP Alfred Alabo could not be reached for comment as of press time.
Watch video below:
Crime
Ebonyi: Gunmen Assasinate Another Traditional Ruler
The latest incident brings to five the number of traditional rulers killed in Ebonyi in recent times, deepening concerns over rising insecurity and targeted attacks on community leaders.
• Ebonyi map
Gunmen have assassinated another traditional ruler in Ebonyi State, in what residents describe as a brazen and targeted attacks.
The victim, HRH Eze Jehoshaphat Ikegwu of Ishinkwor community in Onicha Local Government Area, was reportedly shot dead at his private residence after the assailants gained access under the cover of darkness.
Eyewitnesses said that the attackers fired through a window before forcing their way into the building, and killed the monarch in his bedroom in the presence of his wife.
The Chairman of Onicha LGA, Ikechukwu Ogbofia, has condemned the killing as barbaric, confirming that security agencies have launched an investigation.
Police spokesman, SP Joshua Ukandu, also said that the command has commenced a full probe.
The latest incident brings to five the number of traditional rulers killed in Ebonyi in recent times, deepening concerns over rising insecurity and targeted attacks on community leaders.
Crime
Tinubu Briefed on Jos Attack, Approves Extra Security – Mutfwang
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has received a detailed briefing on the recent deadly attack in Jos, Plateau State, and approved additional security measures to restore lasting peace in the affected areas.
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State disclosed this after meeting with President Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on Wednesday.
The governor described the Palm Sunday attack in Angwan Rukuba, Jos North, which claimed over a dozen lives and left many injured, as “an act of terrorism.”
He said security forces have since restored calm following fresh disturbances involving looters on Wednesday morning.
“Additional security measures have been approved by the President in conjunction with state security architecture, while investigations continue to unravel the identities and motives of the attackers, who are yet to be fully apprehended,” Governor Mutfwang stated.
The governor also revealed that President Tinubu may visit Plateau State soon to commiserate with victims and affected families.
The meeting followed President Tinubu’s earlier high-level session with top security and intelligence chiefs to review the situation and chart a coordinated response to the violence.
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