Finnish official explains why Simon Ekpa cannot be granted bail

Finnish authorities have provided reasons for why controversial pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, cannot be granted bail in Finland. 

Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, told Punch newspaper that the Finnish legal system does not allow bail for suspects accused of the type of offences Mr. Ekpa is facing.

Ekpa was arrested alongside four others on November 21 on suspicion of terrorist activities. The Finnish police accused him of contributing to violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria.

The District Court of Päijät-Häme subsequently ordered that Ekpa be imprisoned “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.” 

He is set to face charges in May 2025, according to Finnish authorities. The pro-Biafra agitator has also been indicted for financing terrorism along with the four other suspects. Finnish authorities suspect Ekpa violated the Finnish Money Collection Act by allegedly collecting money for terrorist activities between August 23, 2021, and November 18, 2024, in Lahti, Finland.

A Nigerian-Finnish citizen, Ekpa leads the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for an independent state of Biafra in southeastern and parts of south-south Nigeria. While IPOB has been linked to deadly attacks in the region, it has consistently denied any involvement.

Hours after Ekpa's arrest, the IPOB faction loyal to Nnamdi Kanu disowned Ekpa, stating that he was never a member of their group.

When asked whether Ekpa’s charges were bailable or if the prosecution was willing to release him on bail, Laaksonen explained, “Finnish criminal procedure/coercive measures do not recognise bail procedure. Our procedure is based on, depending on the case, remand or travel ban as coercive measures for limiting freedom of movement for persons suspected of offences to which such measures are applicable.”

This means that Ekpa will remain in custody until May 2025, when he is scheduled to stand trial at the District Court of Päijät-Häme.

Troops deactivate 56 illegal oil bunkering sanctuaries and recover 1.2 million litres of stolen crude in Niger Delta

Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, have deactivated 56 illegal oil bunkering sanctuaries and recovered 1.2 million litres of stolen products in the Niger Delta. 

 

Acting Deputy Director, 6 Division Army Public Relations, Lieutenant Colonel, Danjuma Jonah Danjuma, who disclosed this in a statement on Sunday, December 1, 2024, said troops also arrested 17 suspected oil thieves, destroyed 88 cooking drums and 20 boats used for the illicit activity in four states, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta and Akwa Ibom, respectively. 

 

Danjuma stated that the operations which were conducted from November 25 to December 1, 2024. 

 

“Troops of 6 Division, Nigerian Army, in conjunction with other security agencies, have increased the rhythm of the ongoing anti-illegal bunkering operations across the Niger Delta Region, with visible operational footprints,” the statement read.

 

"The operations, which were conducted from 25 November - 1 December 2024, led to the deactivation of over 56 illegal oil bunkering sanctuaries, 88 cooking drums, and 20 boats,s, as well as the recovery of over 1.2 Million litres of stolen crude. Others included the arrest of 17 suspected oil thieves, interception of seven vehicles, discovery of six illegal connection points and destruction of five motorcycles used for perpetrating economic sabotage across the region.

 

"In Bayelsa State, at an abandoned Oando wellhead situated in Okordia Forest, Yenagoa Local Government Area (LGA), 15 illegal refining sites were deactivated with over 755,000 litres of stolen crude as well as over 53,000 litres of illegally refined Automotive Gas Oil (AGO) recovered. Similarly, around Biseni Forest, also in Yenagoa LGA, 12 illegal refining sites with over 34,000 litres of stolen crude as well as 5,500 litres of illegally refined AGO were confiscated.

 

"In a related development in Rivers State, around Kula I, general area in Akuku-Toru LGA, troops discovered one illegal connection on 36 inch Government pipeline, with three inches hose connected on it, used as a loading point by oil thieves. This was in addition to a ground reservoir of 80 by 80 tarpaulin stocked with over 100,000 litres of stolen products recovered during the operations. 

 

"The operation was also extended to Omoku, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni LGA, where an abandoned truck ladened with 35,000 litres of stolen crude stocked in a fabricated tank and concealed with bags of sawdust was uncovered. 

 

"Relatedly, around Bakana and Buguma general area in Degema LGA, eight illegal refining sites with over 27,000 litres of stolen crude were confiscated. Three wooden boats, one fibre speed boat, several pots of different sizes, two receivers containing AGO and a local boat with over 12,000 litres of stolen were intercepted. The operation also led to the arrest of three suspected oil thieves in connection to the economic sabotage.

 

"Also in Bukuma community in Degema LGA, one illegal refining site, a reservoir with over 5,000 litres of stolen crude was dismantled. While at Imo River, eleven illegal refining sites, 88 cooking drums, 26 metal container receivers, 14 plastic tanks, eleven boats, and four pumping machines with over 42,500 litres of stolen crude were recovered, with three suspects arrested. Around Obiafu Oil Field, several vehicles were intercepted with over 5500 litres of stolen products recovered.

 

"Similarly, in Delta State, troops pursued economic saboteurs to Ugo Community in Orhionwon LGA of Edo State, where one suspected oil thief was arrested. He subsequently led troops to a bunkering site. Enroute the site, troops discovered a stationary Toyota Sequoia Jeep with Reg No Edo WWR 896 JU, loaded with sacks meant for stealing products. 

 

"Further combing of the area, led to the discovery of a storage filled with stolen crude as well as over 200 sacks filled with over 40,000 litres of stolen products. At Yeye general area in Warri South LGA, one active illegal refining site, two ovens containing substances suspected to be over 2,000 litres of illegally refined AGO, were confiscated. 

 

"Additionally, one Yamaha outboard engine with four suspected oil thieves arrested. While in Akwa Ibom, troops acting on credible intelligence, intercepted several drums of estimated to be over 5,580 litres of petroleum motor spirit at Enwang Bridge in Mbo LGA. The products were being prepared for onward smuggling to a neighbouring country.

 

“The General Officer Commanding, 6 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Jamal Abdussalam, while commending troops for the huge operational successes recorded, reassured that the ongoing onslaught against illegal oil bunkering would be sustained. This, he averred is aimed at securing all critical national infrastructures within the Division's Area of Responsibility.”

 

 

Four NSCDC officers confirmed d3ad in Boko Haram ambush

Four officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps (NSCDC) have been confirmed d3ad after a Boko Haram ambush in Shiroro Local Government Area, Niger State.

The attack occurred near the Niger-Kaduna state boundary during an inspection tour of national grid installations on November 18, 2024.

NSCDC spokesperson, Babawale Afolabi, confirmed the incident in a statement on Thursday, November 28.

Afolabi revealed that of the seven officers initially reported missing, four bodies had been recovered, one officer remains unaccounted for, and two returned to base unharmed.

“Recall that seven personnel of the Corps’ Special Squad drawn from the National headquarters, FCT and Kaduna State Command respectively were declared missing in action when they were ambushed in boundaries between Niger and Kaduna states by the Boko Haram insurgents during an inspection tour of the National Grid Installation,” Afolabi stated. 

“As of today, out of the seven missing officers, four dead bodies had been recovered; two men returned back to base unhurt while one personnel is still missing in action.”

The ambush targeted a convoy of NSCDC personnel escorting expatriates who had been stranded in the Dagwachi Village area after returning from a mining site.

The attack reportedly involved over 200 heavily armed insurgents, who opened fire from an elevated position.

Despite being outnumbered, the NSCDC officers reportedly repelled the assault, neutralising over 50 insurgents during the exchange

The NSCDC Commandant General, Dr. Ahmed Audi, condemned the attack, describing it as a tragic loss.

Audi extended condolences to the families of the deceased and praised the bravery of the officers involved.

As investigations continue into the ambush, Audi urged members of the Corps to remain vigilant and undeterred by the loss.

He urged the public to support the Corps and other security agencies in combating insecurity and protecting Nigerians’ lives and property.

“The personnel demonstrated an unwavering determination and commitment to the service of their fatherland; hence, they deserve all the support they can get from the organisation and the government they swore allegiance to,” he said.

Okonjo-Iweala reappointed for second term as DG of World Trade Organization

 

The World Trade Organisation (WTO) has reappointed Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala as its director-general for a second term. 

In a post on X on Friday, WTO said the reappointment will take effect on September 1, 2025.

The former Minister of Finance assumed office as the seventh Director-General of the World Trade Organization on March 1 2021. She made history as the first woman and the first African to lead the WTO.

Congratulations to her! 

 

President Tinubu and first lady to depart Nigeria for France for a state visit

President Bola Tinubu will depart Abuja on Wednesday, November 27, to begin a state visit to France in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.

A statement released by presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga, says the Nigerian leader's three-day visit, will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, particularly in agriculture, security, education, health, youth engagement and employment, innovation, and energy transition, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.

Onanuga said President Tinubu and his wife, Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, will be received on Thursday at the 350-year-old French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l'Élysée, by Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.

‘’During the visit, President Tinubu and President Macron will harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.  

Both leaders will participate in political and diplomatic meetings highlighting shared values on finance, solid minerals, trade and investments, and communication. They will also witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development. 

Brigitte and Nigeria's First Lady will discuss the latter's passion for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable through the Renewed Hope Initiative.

President Tinubu and his wife will be hosted at a state dinner by the French leader before their departure.''

 Onanuga mentioned that top government officials will accompany President Tinubu on the trip.  

You’ll pay huge price for allowing illegal migrants into US’ — Trump vows to punish Canada, Mexico on Day 1 of inauguration

US President-elect Donald Trump vowed that he would impose a 25% tariff on all products coming into the United States from Mexico and Canada on his first day in office .

“As everyone is aware, thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before,” Trump wrote in a post on his social media platform Truth Social.

Trump said that on January 20, in one of his first executive orders, he would sign all the necessary paperwork to levy a 25% tariff on all products arriving from the U.S.’s North American neighbours.

“This Tariff will remain in effect until Drugs, in particular, Fentanyl, and all Illegal Aliens stop this Invasion of our Country!” he wrote. “Both Mexico and Canada have the absolute right and power to easily solve this long-simmering problem. We hereby demand that they use this power, and until such time that they do, it is time for them to pay a very big price!”

Trump said in another Truth Social post that he also would levy an additional 10% tariff on top of existing tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States.

“I have had many talks with China about the massive amounts of drugs, in particular Fentanyl, being sent into the United States – But to no avail,” he wrote. “Representatives of China told me that they would institute their maximum penalty, that of death, for any drug dealers caught doing this but, unfortunately, they never followed through.”

Trump said the additional tariff on Chinese goods would remain in place until it stops allowing illegal drugs to pour into the U.S.

Throughout his presidential campaign, Trump vowed to declare a national emergency and use military assets to deport a record number of immigrants who are in the United States illegally.

Some Economists warn that slapping tariffs on products shipped into the United States could drive up inflation and interest rates and result in higher consumer prices. 

Soldiers clash with unknown gunmen in Abia community

A fierce gunfight between personnel of the Nigerian Army’s 14 Brigade, Ohafia, and unidentified gunmen broke out early Monday morning in Mbata, Umuchima village, Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area (LGA) of Abia State.

Reports suggest the clash began around 6 a.m. when over 15 Hilux vehicles and armored personnel carriers arrived in the area. The military operation reportedly targeted suspected gunmen believed to be camped near a river marking the boundary between Abia State and the Mbaise axis of Imo State.

Soldiers have since secured key junctions leading to and from the village, while others continue to engage the gunmen in nearby bushes. Gunfire has been ongoing as of the time of reporting, creating tension in the area.

No official statement has been released by the Nigerian Army or the Abia State government regarding the operation. The confrontation follows Governor Alex Otti’s recent promise to improve security in the state after a meeting with top security officials.

"Black Sunday" 30 k!lled in fresh attacks in Benue

At least 30 people have allegedly been k!lled after alleged herdsmen invaded several communities across two Local Government Areas of Benue State. 

Rural communities in Kastina-Ala and Logo LGAs were attacked on Sunday, Nov. 24, and in the early hours of Monday, Nov. 25. 

According to locals, 10 corpses have been recovered in the Kastina-Ala while 20 bodies were recovered in Logo area, bringing the total number of d£@ths to 30. 

Commenting on the incident, a community leader in Logo, Chief Joseph Anawah, said, “There was attack on Azege settlement and environ of Tombo Council Ward yesterday, Sunday 24th November 2024 about 7am. Armed men numbering over 300, suspected to be militia from outside Nigeria, struck. 

“This invasion was carried out in the morning hours and the invaders were clearly seen by the locals. The security operatives on ground were unable to repel them because of their number and the sophisticated weapons they were carrying. It was not until the arrival of a military jet before they were able to subdue them to retreat. Over 20 corpses were discovered while the search for more missing persons is on going.” 

Council Chairman of Kastina-Ala LGA, Justine Shaku, also told journalists in Makurdi that many people were k!lled in his area and valuable property destroyed. 

“Yes, another incident of attack by herder marauders was reported to have taken place this morning (Monday) the 25th day of November, 2024 at about 2am. The Information is that many of them heavily armed stormed Adabo village and Tse Gwebe settlement in Utange Council Ward of Shitile in Katsina -Ala LGA. 

“From reports, they have killed many people, number yet unknown, destroyed valuable properties and looted a lot of household items and left uninterruptedly. Note that Benue State is under serve security threat by herder armed bandits. The level of destruction and scores killed would be forwarded to you in due course, please,” Shaku said. 

His Logo LGA counterpart, Clement Kav, alleged that the attackers claimed ownership of his domain, saying that the Tombo land belongs to them. 

“They attacked the Tombo council ward and killed 17 person and injured 37. The Governor has already mobilised more security to the area and peace has been restored. No case of missing persons for now,” he said. 

Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Catherine Anene, confirmed the incident, saying, however, that five bodies were recovered.

Some locals have gone on Facebook to address the attack.

 

See below.
 

Simon Ekpa is not our member – IPOB

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has distanced itself from the self acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE) Simon Ekpa, who was arrested alongside four others by the government of Finland over terror-related activities on Thursday, November 21.

Finnish Police said Ekpa was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”, while four others were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime”.

 “The detention demands are related to the preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”

The statement quoted the head of the investigation, Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen from the Central Crime Police as saying that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels. Four other persons are suspected of financing the activity above. All five suspects of the crime have been arrested at the beginning of the week. International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation,” the statement added

Reacting to his arrest, IPOB in a statement released by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, on Friday, November 21, accused Ekpa of recruiting violent criminals to destabilize the South East Region.

Emma noted that the infamous BGIE led by Simon Ekpa created a violent group known as the Biafra Liberation Army.

IPOB however disowned him noting that Ekpa is never a registered member of IPOB.

Read the statement below:

“The attention of the global family and movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has been drawn to the news of the arrest and subsequent claim by the infamous Prime Minister of Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE) Simon Ekpa of being an IPOB member. To set the records and facts straight, Simon Ekpa has never been a member of the global IPOB family movement.

Contrary to the deliberate and malicious misinformation from the Neo colonialist news agency, the BBC, that Simon Ekpa is an IPOB leader. Simon Ekpa has never and is not an IPOB member, let alone being a leader in IPOB. IPOB has some family units in Finland, and Simon Ekpa is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or any other IPOB unit globally. Mazi Nnamdi Kanu established IPOB as a peaceful movement to seek Biafra Independence via a supervised UN referendum. IPOB is a peaceful global movement that has never taken to violence or arms struggle in two decades of our self-determination struggle. Even though the various some regimes in Nigeria have provoked us, we have remained resolutely peaceful.

It was unfortunate that  some innocent Biafrans being passionate for the restoration of the stolen sovereignty of the Biafran Nation, thought that Simon Ekpa was genuinely sympathetic to the Biafra course. Sadly, they had to learn the hard way that he was a destructive agent paid to infiltrate and destroy the IPOB peaceful movement for Biafra self-determination.

He recruited violent criminals to destabilize the South East Region in 2021. He is a self acclaimed prime minister of a small criminally minded group called the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE). The infamous BGIE led by Simon Ekpa created a violent group that call themselves the Biafra Liberation Army.

They have perpetuated various violent acts against the civilian populace of the Eastern Region in the name of Biafra agitation. IPOB family worldwide repudiated that violent system to achieve Biafra freedom and sovereignty severally through our numerous press statements. His (BRGIE) group and the Nigerian Army are responsible for many kidnappings, rapes, forceful disappearances, killings, and burning of homes in the South Eastern region. Undoubtedly, Simon Ekpa has claimed responsibility for the violent actions of his criminal gang.

The Simon Ekpa led group has no alliance, affiliation or relationship with IPOB family worldwide. He recruited his criminals gangs who have been terrorizing the Biafran territory since 2021. The politicians that contracted Simon Ekpa have been making strenuous efforts to tag the violent crimes of their agent on IPOB just to blackmail and demonize the genuine and peaceful Biafra self-determination struggle of the Biafran people led by the IPOB.

IPOB is by this press release calling on BBC News and Finnish Authorities to note that Simon Ekpa has never and does not have any  relationship whatsoever with IPOB in Finland or any other unit globally. He should not be associated with IPOB because IPOB does not support violent agitation that he represents. IPOB is a peaceful movement that has adopted civil disobedience to press our demand for referendum as the vehicle to achieve our goal of self determination.  No person, group, or institution should link Simon Ekpa and his group to IPOB except such person,  group,  institution, or government is part of the grand plan and conspiracy to perpetually subjugate the Biafran people to a life of servitude and misery.

Simon Ekpa has been shielded from arrest and terrorism charges against innocent Biafran civilians by the Nigerian and the Finnish governments’ diplomatic maneuvering. However, for every crime, there is a day of reckoning. On the purported arrest of Simon Ekpa, all IPOB members, Biafrans and lovers of Biafra freedom should remain calm and focused on our core objective which is the restoration of the sovereign state of Biafra”.

After serving his jail term in Finland, Simon Ekpa should be extradited to Nigeria to face justice for his role in enforcing sit-at-home orders - Former Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad

Former Presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad, says after Simon Ekpa serves his jail term in Finland, he should be extradited to Nigeria to face justice for his role in enforcing the unlawful and condemned sit-at-home orders. 

Ekpa and four others were arrested on November 21 over allegations of “public exhortation to an offence, committed with terrorist intent”. Ekpa is charged alongside four other persons on suspicion of financing a

Reacting to the news via his X handle, Bashir wrote;

‘’The arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland for inciting violence and terrorism in Nigeria is a welcome development. Actions must always have consequences. No one should be allowed to destabilize this great country with impunity.

After serving his jail term in Finland, Simon Ekpa should be extradited to Nigeria to face justice for his numerous treasonable offences, particularly his role in enforcing the unlawful and condemned sit-at-home orders on our brothers and sisters.''