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
Two Police Officers Killed in Deadly Attack on Checkpoint Along Agbani Road, Enugu
Gunmen suspected to be linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), launched a sudden and unprovoked attack on a Police Distress Response Squad (DRS) team in Enugu State, resulting in the deaths of two officers and the destruction of a patrol vehicle.
The incident occurred on the night of Thursday, January 15, 2026, along Agbani Road, near the Police Detective College area in Enugu metropolis.
According to the Enugu State Police Command, the assailants opened fire on the officers without warning during a routine operation.
The police team responded immediately with return fire, forcing the attackers to flee. Several of the assailants reportedly sustained gunshot injuries during the fierce exchange.
Tragically, two officers suffered severe gunshot wounds and were rushed to a hospital for emergency treatment, where they were later confirmed dead by medical personnel.In the chaos, the operational patrol vehicle caught fire and was burnt.
Reports indicate the attackers used a snatched Lexus 330 Jeep for the operation.In a swift follow-up, police operatives recovered the bullet-riddled Lexus 330 Jeep that had been carjacked from its owner and used by the gunmen in the attack.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered an intensified manhunt involving tactical and intelligence units to track down and apprehend the fleeing suspects.
He emphasized that the Command is leveraging actionable intelligence to sustain the pursuit and bring the perpetrators to justice.
CP Giwa appealed to members of the public to provide credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation, assuring that the police remain fully committed to preventing such subversive and violent acts from going unpunished.
The attack marks a fresh escalation in security challenges in the region, with police maintaining a resolute stance against criminal elements.
The identities of the slain officers have not yet been released, pending notification of their families.
The Enugu State Police Command extended condolences to the bereaved families and colleagues of the fallen officers.
Crime
Supreme Court Orders Sule Lamido ₦1.35bn Corruption Trial to Resume
In a landmark unanimous decision delivered today, the Supreme Court of Nigeria has set aside the July 2023 ruling of the Court of Appeal that discharged former Jigawa State Governor Sule Lamido, his sons Mustapha and Aminu Lamido, and their associated companies from corruption charges.
The five-man panel, led by Justice Abubakar Sadiq Umar, upheld the appeal filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), declaring it meritorious.
The apex court has now directed the defendants to return to the Federal High Court in Abuja to continue their defense against the allegations.
The long-running case stems from a 37-count charge bordering on money laundering, abuse of office, and related offenses. The EFCC accuses Lamido of laundering approximately ₦1.35 billion in alleged kickbacks from contractors during his tenure as governor between 2007 and 2015. His sons and companies Bamaina Holdings Limited and Speeds International Limited are also implicated in the alleged financial misconduct.
After the prosecution closed its case, the defendants filed a no-case submission at the trial court presided over by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu. The Federal High Court rejected the submission, ruling that the evidence presented was sufficient to require the defendants to enter a defense.
The defendants successfully appealed that decision to the Court of Appeal, which discharged them in July 2023. Dissatisfied, the EFCC escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing that the appellate court erred in law by halting the trial despite a prima facie case having been established.
Today’s ruling reinstates the charges and paves the way for the trial to resume at the lower court, marking a significant development in one of Nigeria’s most prominent high-profile corruption prosecutions spanning over a decade.
Legal analysts view the decision as a reinforcement of the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring accountability in public office cases, with the matter now set to proceed to full trial and potential conclusion.
Crime
Tragic: Husband’s Body Found Days After Wife’s Killing
The body of Ayoola Ayanwale, the prime suspect in the brutal killing of his wife, has been discovered in Ogun State, bringing a shocking and grim conclusion to a case that has gripped public attention.
According to residents of River Valley Estate, Ayanwale’s lifeless body was found on Friday evening in the Sotubo area, just days after the violent death of his wife, Mrs. Ayobami Ganiyatu Ayanwale.
Personal items believed to belong to the deceased suspect were recovered at the scene, raising immediate questions about his movements in the days following the alleged murder of his wife and the circumstances surrounding his own death.
The grim discovery comes barely 48 hours after security agencies launched a statewide manhunt for Ayanwale, following the Thursday night killing that left Mrs. Ayobami Ganiyatu Ayanwale dead and sparked widespread outrage across the state.
The incident has once again thrust the issue of domestic violence into the national spotlight, with many residents and activists calling for stronger measures to protect vulnerable individuals and prevent such tragedies.
Police authorities have yet to release an official statement on the cause of Ayanwale’s death or confirm whether foul play is suspected. An investigation into both deaths is ongoing.
The double tragedy has left the local community in mourning and disbelief, with many asking how a domestic dispute escalated into such fatal consequences for both parties involved.
-
Sports3 days agoMorocco Edges Nigeria in Dramatic Penalty Shootout to Reach AFCON 2025 Final
-
Entertainment2 days agoTinubu Commends Rema, Burna Boy, Shallipopi, Other Nigerian Stars as Nigeria Dominates 9th AFRIMA
-
Politics2 days agoSHOCKING: Atiku’s Son Abba defects to APC, Pledges Support For Tinubu’s 2027 Re-election
-
Politics2 days agoAtiku reacts to his son’s defection to APC ” It’s personal to him”
-
Entertainment2 days agoThe Isle 95.9 FM onboard Oyemike from Wazobia FM to strengthen on air contents
-
News2 days agoFG releases Senator Akpoti- Uduagan”s travel document after withdrawal of defamation charges
-
Sports3 days agoAFCON 2025: Nigeria to contest third place position with Egypt after Morocco’s 4–2 wins
-
Business3 days agoNigeria To Review Inflation Reporting First Time In 15 years
