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Finnish court jails Simon Ekpa six years for terrorism offences

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The Päijät-Häme District Court on Monday sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish, Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes and other offences, according to official court documents seen by BBC News Pidgin on Monday.

The 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted on multiple charges, including participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.

The court ordered that Ekpa remain in custody.

According to the judgment, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa attempted to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through illegal means.

“He used social media to gain a politically influential position and took advantage of the confusion within a key separatist movement in Nigeria to play a significant role in it,” the court statement stated as reported by BBC News pidgin.

Ekpa denied all the charges against him.

The court also found that Ekpa was instrumental in founding and developing the separatist movement into a more organised structure, working alongside others.

It was revealed during the trial that armed groups were established under the movement, which the court classified as terrorist organisations.

“Ekpa equipped the groups with weapons, explosives and ammunition through his contact network. He also urged and enticed his followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria,” the court said.

The trial was conducted over 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, with a panel of three judges unanimously delivering the verdict.

Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa in December 2024 on charges linked to terrorism.

He was held on probable cause and suspicion of publicly inciting people to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

The alleged offences were said to have occurred between August 23, 2021, and November 2024, primarily in the city of Lahti.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation also initially arrested four other men in connection with the case. However, charges against them were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Ekpa, who previously served as a municipal councillor in Lahti, is widely known for his controversial role in the Biafran separatist movement.

His online broadcasts and social media activity have drawn both support and condemnation within and outside Nigeria.

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Crime

DSS charges man for advocating military coup

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The Department of State Services has filed a six-count charge against 27-year-old Innocent Chukwuemeka Onukwume for allegedly calling for a military coup in the country.

The charges, brought before the Federal High Court in Abuja under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/610/2025, relate to posts Onukwume made on his verified X account (@theagroman) in October 2025.

According to the DSS, the posts encouraged the removal of the ruling All Progressives Congress, the suspension of the federal government and support for the military in taking over the country.

In the charge filed on Tuesday by DSS counsel A.M. Danalami, Onukwume’s actions were said to contravene Sections 46A(1) and 59(1) of the Criminal Code Act, as well as Section 24(1)(b) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).

Some of the statements attributed to him include: “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”

He allegedly also wrote, “It will happen eventually, Nigerian. The military needs your support now! Only they can save this country. The bastard in Aso Rock has basically sold this country to the West and they run our intelligence apparatus only the military can reset this country.”

In another post, he reportedly stated, “Tinubu has to go and APC has to die for Nigeria to have any semblance of normal life. And if you think your stupid votes can remove Tinubu, I’m here to tell you that you’re a fool.”

The DSS further cited the same post repeated on his account, adding, “A coup in Nigeria is needed. Dispose of APC, suspend the Nigerian Government and join the AES. That is all we need now.”

Onukwume, a resident of Umusayo Layout, Oyigbo Local Government Area of Rivers State, is expected to be arraigned later this week.

In October, there were reports of an alleged plot by some military personnel to overthrow President Bola Tinubu’s administration.

This, however, has triggered outrage among Nigerians, with senior lawyers, civil society groups and retired generals warning against any attempt to subvert democracy.

Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters dismissed the reports, saying there was no coup-related detention or plan within the military.

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Crime

Police recover stolen car, arrest Kano deputy gov’s driver

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The Kano State Police Command has recovered a Toyota Hilux vehicle stolen from the Office of the Deputy Governor and arrested a suspect linked to the theft.

According to a police report, the vehicle was traced and recovered in the early hours of Wednesday following a swift and coordinated operation by security operatives.

The suspect, identified as a permanent and pensionable driver attached to the Deputy Governor’s office, was apprehended and is currently assisting investigators with the ongoing probe.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Press Secretary to the deputy governor, Ibrahim Shu’aibu, described the incident as “a clear breach of trust by the arrested driver.”

“The Deputy Governor’s Office commends the prompt response and professionalism displayed by the Police and other security agencies involved in the recovery effort,” the statement read.

According to the statement, the state government assured the public that it remained committed to safeguarding lives and property, both within and outside the Government House.

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Crime

Suspected Ritualists Kill Woman, Remove Head, Other Parts In Oyo Community

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Residents of the Aba Alfa community in Boluwaji, Ibadan, Oyo State, were thrown into shock and mourning over the gruesome murder of a woman identified as Iya Dupe by suspected ritualists.

It was gathered that the incident occurred overnight, and the victim’s dismembered body was discovered early Wednesday morning.

According to residents, the victim’s head, breasts, and other vital organs were removed by her assailants.

Eyewitnesses explained that the woman, who was slightly ill, had gone out around 9p.m. on Tuesday to buy bread, but she never returned alive.

Neighbours who went to check on the deceased on Wednesday were met with the horrifying scene of her mutilated remains inside her home.

Residents described the discovery as “heartbreaking and inhuman,” adding that ritual-related killings were becoming a disturbing trend in parts of Ibadan, Oyo State capital, despite several security efforts.

The Oyo State Police Command and the Amotekun Corps have reportedly been alerted to the killing.

Community leaders have also called on the government and security agencies to intensify patrols and ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.

At the time of filing this report, the police had not yet issued an official statement on the incident.

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