Lifestyle

The rise and fall of Simon Ekpa

Published

2 months ago

September 6, 2025

Once hailed by some as the voice of a renewed Biafran agitation, Simon Ekpa’s influence has collapsed following his sentencing to prison by the Finnish Päijät-Häme District Court.

It was gathered that Ekpa’s imprisonment has shaken members of the separatist movement and cast a shadow over the recent declaration of a Biafran state by his supporters online.

The Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced the Nigerian-born Finn to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes and other offences.

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 said, as reported by BBC News Pidgin.

But Ekpa denied all the charges against him.

Ekpa’s hubris

Ekpa had been thriving in his self-appointed leadership role, using online broadcasts and social media activities to assert influence and rally support before he was remanded in May 2025.

He gained prominence after the arrest of the detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu, in 2021.

Kanu was arrested for instigating violence in the South-East geopolitical zone using various social media platforms.

Ekpa, wielding his influence, showed his strength by single-handedly ordering sit-at-home in the South-East region for years.

This was part of his strategy to advance the agitation for a sovereign Biafran state.

Ekpa’s sit-at-home orders forced residents across the South-East to shut down shops and stay indoors, while businesses and companies were compelled to halt operations.

The directive crippled commercial activities, slashed company profits, and resulted in significant economic losses for both the federal and state governments.

An intelligence report released in May 2025 revealed that over 700 people were killed in the South-East region between 2021 and 2025 as a result of the sit-at-home orders.

The report, published by Lagos-based consultancy SBM Intelligence, attributed the deaths to targeted killings of civilians who defied the weekly Monday sit-at-home directives and other sporadic orders, as well as violent clashes between members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and security forces.

Findings revealed that Ekpa received millions of naira in donations from supporters both within Nigeria and across the diaspora.

This was done through the platform of the ‘Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile’.

While the secessionist leader appeared to enjoy growing influence and attention abroad, the Nigerian government grappled with the escalating crisis at home.

In addition to issuing sit-at-home orders, Ekpa’s separatist activism drew global attention, particularly his calls to boycott Nigerian elections.

“No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory in 2023,” he declared in a video on social media.

Ekpa had publicly justified the use of violence.

“I support violence against Nigerian government forces. This is self-defence. They constantly attack us and have committed numerous war crimes. We have no choice but to defend ourselves,” he stated.

In 2023, Ekpa also commanded loyal armed groups, the “Biafra Liberation Army,” who terrorised communities in the South-East and targeted individuals perceived to be opposing the secessionist agenda.

His fall

The doom of the Finland-based leader of the Autopilot began in 2023.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation suspected a man who lived in Lahti of money collection offences.

Although the NBI did not initially name the suspect, a Finnish local publication, Yle, identified him as Ekpa.

Yle reported that he was detained on suspicion of fundraising fraud but released the same evening in 2023.

Despite facing multiple trials, Ekpa, who served on Lahti’s public transport committee as a member of the National Coalition Party, had not received any public comment from his party regarding the matter.

The NCP Secretary, Timo Elo, declined to comment on Ekpa’s possible membership of the party while speaking with Yle.

“We never say who is and who isn’t our member. That is confidential information,” Elo told Yle.

Elo, however, said that if a member of the party was suspected of terrorism offences, that would likely lead to their expulsion.

According to Elo, Ekpa’s role on the public transport commission, for example, should be assessed locally.

In May 2025, the separatist leader was remanded by the district court and scheduled to face charges.

Throughout his remand, Ekpa was held in the Kylmäkoski Vankila prison.

A senior detective superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, told Saturday PUNCH that Ekpa could not get bail due to the criminal procedure of the country.

“Our procedure is based 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.”

A Finnish legal document obtained by Saturday PUNCH revealed that remand is a coercive measure implemented during a criminal investigation and trial.

However, our correspondent could not confirm if Ekpa had been transferred to another prison after his sentencing as of the time of filing this report.

Ekpa’s jail term splits agitators

It was noted that Ekpa’s imprisonment divided supporters of BRGIE over the approach to the agitation for freedom.

Also, the jailing of Ekpa impacted the proclaimed Biafran state.

Despite the announcement of independence on November 29, 2024, in Finland, and a proposed referendum to establish a “United States of Biafra” comprising 40 states, the initiative failed to produce any concrete outcomes.

Checks by our correspondent revealed that the official website of the movement had become inactive.

Attempts to access the site returned an error message that read, “This site can’t be reached.”

It was also gathered that several individuals who once supported the movement now believe it was merely a conduit for embezzlement, disguised as a struggle for Biafran independence.

This comes as the self-styled BRGIE Acting Prime Minister, Ogechukwu Nkere, took to his X handle, urging supporters to continue donating to the cause.

Nkere wrote, “Fund your freedom.”

In a separate post, he wrote, “The world can only be a good place when injustice such as this stops happening, where a freedom fighter is sentenced for terrorism.

“The Biafra Government calls on the good people of the world to intervene, because Finland has escalated the problem instead of providing a solution in Biafraland.”

Meanwhile, his posts were met with criticism from members of the movement.

Reacting in an X post, a member of the movement, @KelvinNnoa27957, wrote, “Just stop this nonsense already. Freedom is not funded; it is the steps taken in the right direction that lead to freedom. Nobody so focused on money ever achieved freedom, because money doesn’t really bring freedom; it is our action and seriousness that will give us freedom.”

Also, @nwa_nne accused Nkere of backstabbing.

He posted, “You can now go and collect your balance from whoever sent you against our PM. But be rest assured that, in due time, those who have used you against our PM will come looking for you, because they are done with you. Criminals don’t trust each other. They will come for you.”

Another member, @Biafratimeisnow, wrote, “Onyeoshi! Oge Nkere, a hardened criminal, was transferring money from the BRGIE bank account to his personal and business accounts. Now you all can understand why this criminal sold Mazi Simon Ekpa and also refused to allow anybody to become a signatory to our BRGIE account.”

Similarly, @AngusOkeke wrote, “You criminals sold out our PM, MSE, to keep extorting money from us, just as the criminals in DOS did to our Onyendu, MNK.

“But we genuine Biafrans are wiser. You criminals will never get shishi from genuine Biafrans, because genuine Biafrans have all of you criminals’ track records.”

Speaking on the matter in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, the President of Igboekulie, an association dedicated to promoting Igbo language and culture, Benjamin Obidegwu, stated that he did not support the current approach to agitation.

He acknowledged that the right to agitate was a fundamental entitlement of every Nigerian.

Obidegwu said, “My position has always been that issues about agitation for Biafra are political issues that should be settled politically. People have the right to agitate and express their concerns in a country. What is happening is not unusual, but it’s just a problem of approach.

“I have always said that Nnamdi Kanu’s problem is something that should be settled politically. If you try to do it in another way, the problem will remain. For Ekpa, he was sentenced by a foreign country. Igbo people have the right to complain about how they are treated in Nigeria, especially since after the civil war. If the government will listen, fine; if they don’t, the problems will linger, and it’s not good for the state of Nigeria.”

Also speaking, the President-General of the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders, Goodluck Ibem, urged the public to refrain from funding non-state actors under the guise of supporting agitation.

He said, “People should stop these agitators who hide themselves under the pretence of fighting for freedom. What they are doing is not agitation. This is just a private business to defraud innocent citizens who are ignorant of their tricks and antics.

“There is no way they are fighting for freedom while carrying guns to shoot at people and also causing fear. People should stop supporting them by giving them finances.”

The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, had earlier commended the Federal Government for the incarceration of Ekpa in Finland.

In a statement, the Deputy President-General of the body, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, lauded the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle; and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for their efforts in dismantling the reign of terror that had affected the South-East zone.

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Lifestyle

PHOTOS: The issue of Deborah Samuel Yakubu is one of the most tragic and controversial religious-related incidents in recent Nigerian history.

Published

2 hours ago

October 23, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

The issue of Deborah Samuel Yakubu is one of the most tragic and controversial religious-related incidents in recent Nigerian history. It highlights deep tensions around religious intolerance, mob justice, and the misuse of social media in the country.

Deborah Samuel Yakubu was a 200-level Home Economics student at Shehu Shagari College of Education in Sokoto State, Nigeria. She was a Christian from Niger State. On May 12, 2022, Deborah was brutally killed by a mob of fellow students who accused her of blasphemy against the Prophet Muhammad.

The incident reportedly began on the class’s WhatsApp group where students used to share academic information. During one of the discussions, Deborah reportedly expressed frustration over religious messages being shared in the group chat, insisting that it was meant only for academic purposes. Some of her Muslim classmates considered her comment to be disrespectful and blasphemous toward Islam. The message quickly spread beyond the group, sparking anger among students.

A violent mob formed within the school premises, dragged Deborah out of the security room where she was temporarily sheltered, stoned her to death, and set her body on fire. Videos of the killing circulated widely on social media, causing outrage both within and outside Nigeria. The gruesome footage showed some people proudly claiming responsibility for the act, saying it was justified under Islamic law.

The Sokoto State Police Command later confirmed the incident and announced that two suspects had been arrested in connection with the killing. However, many Nigerians and human rights organizations criticized the authorities for not doing enough to prosecute all those involved in the mob action. The federal and state governments condemned the killing, calling it a criminal act that could not be justified under any religion or law.

The Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, and several Islamic scholars also condemned the act, stating that the Prophet Muhammad himself would not have supported such violence. Christian leaders, including the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), demanded justice and urged the government to ensure the protection of religious minorities in the country.

Deborah’s killing sparked nationwide protests, international condemnation, and renewed debates about blasphemy laws, religious intolerance, and freedom of speech in Nigeria. In Sokoto and other parts of Northern Nigeria, protests broke out after the arrest of the suspects, with demonstrators demanding their release. In contrast, across Southern Nigeria and in the international community, vigils and memorials were held to honor Deborah’s memory.

The Nigerian government faced strong criticism for failing to prevent such acts of mob violence, which have occurred several times in parts of the country. Many activists and human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International, urged the government to take decisive action to end the culture of impunity surrounding religious killings.

Deborah Samuel’s death remains a symbol of the urgent need for stronger laws against mob justice and greater protection for freedom of religion and expression in Nigeria. Her story is a painful reminder of the dangers of religious intolerance and the misuse of social media to incite violence.

In the years following her death, calls for justice continued, though there has been little public progress in prosecuting those responsible. Her family relocated for safety reasons after facing threats, and several groups have offered them support. Deborah’s legacy endures as a voice for justice, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence among Nigeria’s diverse religious communities.

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Lifestyle

PHOTOS: Nollywood Actress Binta Ayo Mogaji

Published

2 hours ago

October 23, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Early Life & Background

Binta Ayo Mogaji was born in 1964 and hails from Agbo-Ile, Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria.

Her father was an Islamic cleric, while her mother worked as an education administrator.

From an early age she showed interest in acting, starting her career in the early 1970s as a child actor.

Career in Acting

She first gained recognition on television. For example, one of her early appearances was on the TV series Why Worry the Barber.

Her debut in home-video cinema (in the Yoruba language) was with the film titled Mojere.

Over the decades, Mogaji has acted in both Yoruba-language and English-language films and television series. She has been cited as being part of at least 400–800 stage, screen and home-video productions.

Notable works include:

Ti Oluwa Ni Le (1992)

Owo Blow (1997)

The Bridge (2017)

In a 2018 interview she spoke about the Nigerian film industry’s tendency to favour younger actors, and argued that older actors are still fully capable of delivering professional performances.

She has also spoken about how her religious background (Islamic) informed her decisions about roles — for example, she stated she has never acted semi-nude or participated in kissing scenes throughout her career.

Personal Life

Mogaji has had a varied personal journey:

She was in a relationship with actor Jibola Dabo, and together they have a son.

In 2006 she married retired footballer and physiotherapist Victor Ayodele Oduleye.

She later revealed that the marriage lasted about 13 years, and that it involved physical and mental abuse which led to her leaving the marriage.

On motherhood:

She revealed that she conceived and gave birth to her only child at age 40 — despite having already undergone removal of one fallopian tube due to an ectopic pregnancy.

In an interview she recounted being taken to “seven different hospitals” as doctors were uncertain she’d survive the ectopic pregnancy.

On advice & views:

Mogaji has said that women aged 35 or older who want children should not necessarily wait for marriage, but could consider having a child outside wedlock or adopting, if they are capable of caring for the child.

Achievements & Recognition

She is widely regarded as one of the veteran and accomplished actresses in Nigeria’s film industry — in theatre, television and home-video.

Among her awards, she has been recognized as “Best Actress” at the REEL Awards.

Selected Filmography

Here are a few highlights (not exhaustive):

Mojere — her first home-video appearance.

Ti Oluwa Ni Le (1992)

Owo Blow (1997)

Motherhood

Ileke

Ojuju

Ilé Olorogun

The Bridge (2017)

My Village People (2021)

Legacy & Impact

Mogaji’s career spans many decades and multiple eras of Nigerian cinema (from early television to modern Nollywood).

She is seen as a mentor or “auntie” figure to younger actors, many of whom admire her longevity and professionalism.

She has been candid about the challenges faced by actors in Nigeria — for example, she has said that despite fame, many actors must still “toil” for little reward.

Current Status

As of 2024-2025, she remains active in the industry.

Recently she celebrated her son’s graduation from university (Lead City University, Ibadan) in 2024.

She continues to speak publicly about personal and industry issues (e.g., motherhood, marital abuse, the film industry).

Interesting Facts

Despite having only one fallopian tube, she was able to conceive and give birth — a story she shared publicly to encourage others.

She has been frank about regards marriage and motherhood — for example stating that waiting for marriage should not prevent someone who truly wants a child from having one (if they can care for it responsibly).

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Lifestyle

Talabi Adebayo Braithwaite: The Pioneer Who Built Nigeria’s Insurance Legacy

Published

2 hours ago

October 23, 2025

Oluwagbenga Olaoye

Celebrating the life and impact of the man who laid the foundation for Nigeria’s modern insurance industry.

Early Life and Education

Talabi Adebayo Braithwaite was born on July 2, 1928, into a prominent Lagos family of Yoruba descent. His upbringing reflected a blend of discipline, ambition, and a deep desire to serve his nation through professionalism and innovation. Though Nigeria in the mid-20th century had few indigenous figures in the financial and insurance sectors, Braithwaite’s vision and determination would make him a pioneer who transformed the industry.

After completing his early education in Nigeria, he travelled to the United Kingdom, where he pursued professional training in insurance. His commitment to excellence soon paid off — in June 1951, he became one of the first Nigerians to qualify as an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (ACII) in London, a significant milestone that marked the beginning of his historic career.

Breaking Barriers in a Colonial Industry

When Braithwaite returned to Nigeria in the early 1950s, the insurance sector was almost entirely dominated by foreign companies. Local participation was minimal, and there were few trained Nigerians capable of running or managing such businesses. Braithwaite set out to change that reality.

He established T.A. Braithwaite Insurance Brokers & Co., one of Nigeria’s earliest indigenous insurance firms. Through professionalism and integrity, his firm gained the confidence of both public and private institutions, gradually helping to indigenise an industry that had been monopolised by expatriates.

Braithwaite’s success not only challenged existing norms but also inspired a generation of Nigerian professionals to pursue careers in insurance and finance. His name soon became synonymous with credibility and innovation in the world of insurance brokerage.

Leadership and Institutional Legacy

One of Braithwaite’s most enduring contributions was his role in building institutional frameworks for Nigeria’s insurance profession. He became the first president of the Insurance Institute of Nigeria (IIN), the body that would later evolve into the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) — the country’s highest professional body for insurance practitioners.

Under his leadership, the institute focused on training, professional development, and establishing ethical standards to guide practitioners in the industry. Braithwaite’s influence helped shape the institute into a respected body that continues to promote excellence and accountability within the Nigerian insurance landscape.

In 1969, Braithwaite’s exceptional expertise earned him another milestone distinction: he became an underwriting member of Lloyd’s of London, one of the world’s oldest and most prestigious insurance markets. This achievement placed him among a select group of Africans to attain such a position, underscoring his global recognition as an insurance authority.

National Recognition and Honours

For his lifelong service to Nigeria and his pioneering contributions to the insurance industry, Talabi Adebayo Braithwaite was honoured by the Federal Government of Nigeria. In 2000, he was conferred with the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) by President Olusegun Obasanjo, a national honour reserved for distinguished citizens who have made outstanding contributions to national development.

This recognition not only celebrated his individual achievements but also highlighted the importance of the insurance profession in building a resilient economy.

Later Life and Legacy

Until his passing on May 2, 2011, Braithwaite remained a respected figure in Nigeria’s corporate community. His commitment to ethical standards, professional mentorship, and industry advocacy ensured that the foundation he laid would continue to support generations of insurance professionals.

Even after his death, his influence endures through the institutions he built and the professionals he inspired. The Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) continues to uphold his vision of professionalism, education, and ethical practice within the field.

In recognition of his lasting contributions, many industry veterans refer to him as the “Father of Nigerian Insurance.” His name is invoked with reverence at industry events, and his pioneering spirit continues to guide Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to strengthen and expand its financial sector.

References:

Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) Archives

Daily Times (Lagos), Historical Business Reports (1950s–1980s)

Lloyd’s of London Records, Member Archive 1969

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