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
BREAKING: Tragic One-Way Crash Claims Tricycle Driver’s Life in Meiran Lagos
A commercial tricycle driver has been killed in a fatal one-way crash in the Meiran area of Lagos State.
According to preliminary reports, the incident occurred when a vehicle travelling against the designated flow of traffic on a one-way road collided head-on with the tricycle.
The impact left the tricycle driver with severe injuries, and he was confirmed dead at the scene by emergency responders.
Officials from the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) and the Nigeria Police Force were quickly mobilised to the location. The crash site was secured, and traffic was temporarily disrupted as recovery operations got underway. The body of the deceased has been evacuated to a nearby mortuary pending formal identification and further investigations.
Authorities say the exact circumstances surrounding the crash, including the identity of the tricycle driver and details of the other vehicle involved, are still being established. Police have launched a probe into the incident, with particular focus on the alleged one-way driving that led to the collision.
Road safety officials have once again cautioned motorists against driving against traffic, describing the practice as a major contributor to fatal accidents on Lagos roads. Further updates are expected as the investigation progresses.
Crime
JUST IN: Zamfara LG Chairman Freed After 61 Days in Captivity
The Zamfara State Police Command has confirmed the release of Nura Abdullahi, Chairman of Bungudu Local Government Area, after spending 61 days in the captivity of kidnappers.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, DSP Yazid Abubakar, confirmed the development to Arise News in a telephone interview on Thursday. He said the chairman is presently receiving medical attention in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital, following his release.
According to the police, Abdullahi regained his freedom alongside other persons who were abducted with him on the same day and taken to an unknown location. The exact circumstances surrounding the release were not immediately disclosed.
Police authorities have remained silent on whether any ransom was paid to secure the victims’ freedom. However, unconfirmed reports circulating in the state claim that the sum of ₦200 million was earlier paid to the kidnappers. The reports further allege that the abductors refused to free the chairman at the time and continued to hold him, demanding additional payment.
The abduction occurred when heavily armed attackers invaded Abdullahi’s residence in Bungudu town. During the assault, two security agents attached to the local government chairman were killed. His elder brother was also shot and later died in hospital from the injuries sustained.
The release of the Bungudu LG chairman marks the end of a prolonged ordeal that had drawn concern across Zamfara State. Further details on the condition of the other freed victims and any ongoing investigations are still being awaited from the police.
Crime
Boko Haram Attacks Adamawa Community, Kills Residents
Boko Haram militants have launched a deadly invasion of a community in Adamawa State, killing several residents and setting multiple houses ablaze.
The attack, described by local sources as sudden and coordinated, saw the fighters storm the area, opening fire on civilians and torching homes. Survivors reported scenes of chaos as residents fled in different directions to escape the assault. A number of people were confirmed dead, while others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment.
The burning of houses has left many families displaced, with properties and livelihoods destroyed in the violence. The community remains tense, and residents are calling for increased security presence to prevent further attacks.
Security forces are yet to issue a comprehensive official update on the incident, though reports indicate that troops have been mobilised to the area.
The assault is the latest in a series of raids attributed to the group in the northeast, underscoring the ongoing threat posed by the insurgents in Adamawa and neighbouring states.
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