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Simon Ekpa Faces Justice: Finnish Court Approves Extradition to Nigeria

Published

3 months ago

April 23, 2025

Simon Ekpa

In a pivotal development with far-reaching implications for regional security and international justice, Finnish authorities have approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, the controversial Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, to Nigeria. The transfer is scheduled for July 15, 2025, following the ruling of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on April 18, 2025.

Ekpa, who has long styled himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been a central figure in the resurgence of violent separatist rhetoric. Contrary to persistent reports in Nigerian media and some government statements, Simon Ekpa is not affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which has repeatedly disassociated itself from him. IPOB maintains that it has no factions and does not recognize Ekpa’s authority or activities.

Instead, Ekpa leads a self-formed group known as “Autopilot,” and has been linked to a criminal armed wing referred to as the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA)—a network accused of k@dnappings, ass@ssinations, and enforcing violent “sit-at-home” orders in Nigeria’s southeast. Critics argue that labeling him as part of IPOB is both misleading and dangerous, as it conflates a non-violent group with violent extremists.

“We don’t understand why the Nigerian government and media continue to tag him as a leader of a faction of IPOB. That is pure misinformation and deceptive,” an IPOB spokesperson stated. “Simon Ekpa runs his own network of cr@minals and k@dnappers, and his actions have nothing to do with the actual Biafran struggle or IPOB’s ideology of non-violence.”

Ekpa was arrested in Lahti, Finland, in November 2024 after months of surveillance and investigation. He is accused by Finnish police of inciting violence from abroad using social media broadcasts, which allegedly led to attacks on civilians and Nigerian security forces. Four other suspects were also detained in connection with financing and facilitating his activities.

The Nigerian government, which has sought his extradition since early 2023, hailed the court’s decision as a breakthrough. A senior official from the Ministry of Defence called it “a triumph for justice and a stern warning to those who think they can destabilize Nigeria from foreign soil.”

Ekpa’s extradition was not without legal challenges. Finland traditionally does not extradite its citizens outside the EU or Nordic region. However, after Nigeria presented compelling evidence under the Rome Statute—ratified by both nations—a rare agreement was reached. Finnish authorities emphasized that the ruling complied with international law and due process.

Upon his arrival in Nigeria, Ekpa is expected to face multiple charges including terr@rism, conspiracy, incitement of v@olence, and crimes against the state. His case will likely be one of the most closely watched in recent Nigerian legal history, with domestic and international human rights groups expected to monitor the proceedings.

Source: Wise Igbo Man

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A 93-year-old man has shared his secret to a long and healthy life: quitting beer.

Published

4 hours ago

July 19, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

In an inspiring revelation, he disclosed that he stopped drinking beer in 1975, a decision that has not only improved his health but also helped him save a significant amount of money.

According to the man’s account, abstaining from beer has had numerous health benefits. Research supports this claim, highlighting that quitting alcohol can.

Improve Heart Health: Lower blood pressure, reduce triglycerides, and decrease the risk of heart failure
Enhance Liver Function : Allow the liver to heal and function normally, reducing the risk of liver disease

Boost Mental Clarity: Improve memory, nervous system function, and overall mental well-being

Promote Weight Loss : Reduce calorie intake and support a balanced diet and exercise

Reduce Cancer Risk : Lower the risk of certain types of cancer, including liver, throat, and stomach cancer

The man advises young people to avoid habits and diets that pose health risks, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing one’s well-being. His story serves as a testament to the benefits of making healthy lifestyle choices.

– Quitting beer can lead to significant health improvements
– Abstaining from alcohol can reduce the risk of chronic diseases
– Healthy habits can contribute to a long and fulfilling life

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Alleged $6b Mambilla Project Fraud: Court Admits more Evidence against Agunloye

Published

7 hours ago

July 19, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

Justice Jude Onwuegbuzie of the Federal High Court, sitting in Apo, Abuja, on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, admitted additional evidence from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, against a former Minister of Power and Steel, Olu Agunloye.

Agunloye is facing prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC on seven-count charges, bordering on official corruption and fraudulent award of Mambilla Power Project contract to the tune of $6billion (Six Billion US Dollars).

The additional evidence are an investigation report of the Mambila HydroElectric Power Project, the defendant awarded to Sunrise Power &Transmission Company Limited and a warrant of arrest on Jide Sotinri. They were marked “Exhibit EFCC R and S.”

During the day’s proceedings, Agunloye through his counsel, Adeola Adedikpe, SAN informed the court of his application for the release of his passport to enable him travel abroad for medical evaluation.

Responding to the application, prosecution counsel, M.K Hussain asked the court for more time to enable him study the application and file his reply.

The judge adjourned till Thursday, July 17, 2025 for the the hearing of the overseas medical trip application.

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SUMMARY OF THE JUDGMENT OF IMO STATE HIGH COURT,NWAORIEUBI JUDICIAL DIVISION DELIVERED ON THE 2ND DAY OF JULY 2025 OVER IMO STATE INTERNATIONAL MODERN MARKET EGBEADA/UBOMMIRI.

Published

20 hours ago

July 19, 2025

Ekwutos Blog

1.THE HONOURABLE COURT DECLARED THAT BY VIRTUE OF S.7 4TH SCHEDULE OF THE 1999 CONSTITUTION OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA (AS AMENDED) IT IS ONLY AND ONLY THE MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL (NOT IMO STATE GOVERNMENT OR ITS MINISTRY OF COMMERCE,TRADE & INVESTMENT OR ANY OF ITS AGENCIES)THAT HAS THE EXCLUSIVE CONSTITUTIONAL POWERS TO ESTABLISH,DESIGN, PACELATE,BUILD MANAGE, CONTROL, ISSUE ALLOCATION PAPERS AND COLLECT REVENUE AT IMO MODERN INTERNATIONAL MARKET EGBEADA/UBOMMIRI.

2.THE INVASION AND FORCEFUL TAKE OVER OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED MARKET BY IMO STATE GOVERNMENT THROUGH ITS THEN MINISTRY OF NON FORMAL SECTOR AND MARKET DEVELOPMENT IN THE YEAR 2020 AND THE SUBSEQUENT ALLOCATIONS AND OUTRIGHT RESELLING OF LOCK UP SHOPS,OPEN SHADES/STALLS AND SPACE/PLOTS OF LAND BY THE SAID MINISTRY TO OCCUPANTS AT THE SAID MARKET (PHASE 1 & 2 AND ANNEX) FROM 2020 TILL DATE IN CONNIVANCE WITH SUCCESSIVE MBAITOLI COUNCIL ADMINISTRATIONS HAS BEEN SET ASIDE AND SAME DECLARED UNLAWFUL, UNCONSTITUTIONAL, ILLEGAL,NULL AND VOID AB INITIO BY THE HONOURABLE COURT.

3.ALL ALLOCATION PAPERS AND OUTRIGHT RESELLING OF LOCK UP SHOPS,OPEN SHADES,OPEN SPACE/PLOTS OF LANDS AT THE ABOVE MENTIONED MARKET BY SUCCESSIVE ADMINISTRATION OF MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL AFTER 2019 HAS BEEN SET ASIDE AND SAME DECLARED ILLEGAL, UNLAWFUL, UNCONSTITUTIONAL,NULL AND VOID AB INITIO BY THE HONOURABLE COURT. (Meaning if you are an occupant of lock up shop,open stalls/ shades,space/plots of land at the said market(phase 1 and 2 and annex) and your allocation paper was issued to you after 2019 by either Mbaitoli Local Government or Imo State Government,you are nothing but an ILLEGAL OCCUPANT.Only those with allocation papers from Mbaitoli Local Government Council BEFORE 2019 are survivals of this landmark judgment).

4.THE DEFENDANTS IN THE SAID JUDGMENT ARE RESTRAINED BY THE HONOURABLE COURT FROM USING THE POLICE TO OBSTRUCT,HARRASS OR ARREST OR INTIMIDATE THE PLAINTIFFS IN THE COURSE OF ENFORCEMENT OF THE SAID LANDMARK JUDGMENT OF COURT.

5.THE COURT HAS ORDERED AND DIRECTED THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE IMO STATE POLICE COMMAND AND THE NIGERIAN POLICE FORCE HEADED BY THE INSPECTOR GENERAL OF POLICE TO ASSIST THE PLAINTIFFS TOWARDS ENSURING THE FULL ENFORCEMENT OF THE SAID LANDMARK JUDGMENT OF COURT.

6.3RD,6TH AND 7TH DEFENDANTS IN THE SAID JUDGMENT TO JOINTLY AND SEVERALLY PAY THE SUM OF N1MILLION NAIRA COST OF LITIGATION TO THE PLAINTIFF COUNSEL IN THE SAID JUDGMENT OF COURT.

7.THE COURT UPHOLDS AND AUTHENTICATES THE ORIGINAL DESIGN/PURPOSE CLAUSE OF THE SAID MARKET ESTATE PROJECT BY MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL ADMINISTRATION IN 2018 AND NON OTHER EITHER BY THE MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT COUNCIL OR IMO STATE GOVERNMENT AFTER 2019.

8.THE COURT DIRECTS ALL ILLEGAL OCCUPANTS WITH ILLEGAL AND FRAUDULENT ALLOCATION PAPERS OF LOCK UP SHOPS,OPEN SHADES,OPEN SPACE/PLOTS OF LANDS AT THE SAID MARKET TO VACATE WITHIN 48 HOURS OF THE JUDGMENT OF COURT.

ABOVE IS FOR YOUR INFORMATION:
This summary presentation is for all doubting Thomases who may be risking various jail terms for disobedience to the LANDMARK JUDGMENT OF THIS HUNOURABLE COUR5 THAT HAS RETURNED FINANCIAL/REVENUE COLLECTION AUTONOMY TO MBAITOLI LOCAL GOVERNMENT.