Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, has been sentenced to six years in prison for terrorism-related offenses in Finland.

Given his dual citizenship status, Ekpa’s Finnish citizenship might be revoked under the Finnish Nationality Act (amended 2019), which stipulates that naturalized citizens found guilty of serious crimes like treason or terrorism can lose their citizenship if they hold another country’s citizenship.

Ekpa may lose his Finnish citizenship due to his conviction, which could impact his status and rights in Finland.

After serving his six-year sentence, Ekpa might be repatriated to Nigeria to face further legal proceedings.

The Nigerian government has hinted at seeking his repatriation, and the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, stated that the government will assess the situation and take decisions in the best interest of the country.

Fresh Charges in Nigeria: Upon his return to Nigeria, Ekpa could face fresh charges related to his alleged involvement in separatist activities and terrorism.

Ekpa’s conviction has sparked reactions from various stakeholders, including the Nigerian government, which has welcomed the judgment.

The government has emphasized the importance of peace and unity, urging followers of Ekpa to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

– “The pains of what we lost in the South East in 10 years will go round.” – Joe Igbokwe, APC chieftain
– “The conviction reinforces the principle that those who incite violence and fund terrorism will be held accountable, regardless of their location.” – Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information

Simon Ekpa’s case has significant implications for Nigeria and Finland, highlighting the complexities of dual citizenship and international cooperation in combating terrorism.

After serving his six-year sentence, Ekpa’s fate will depend on the decisions of the Finnish and Nigerian governments.

As a landlord, having a comprehensive tenancy agreement is crucial to protect your interests and ensure a smooth landlord-tenant relationship.

If your current agreement lacks these vital clauses, it’s time to update it. Here are seven important clauses to include:

1. Tenancy Type
Specify a fixed-term agreement to avoid automatic rent renewal. This means tenants must notify you and pay rent ahead (e.g., one or two months) before their rent expires if they wish to renew. If they fail to do so, serve them a seven-day owner’s intention to recover property notice.

2. Rent Review Clause
Clearly state the interval for rent reviews (e.g., annually). This ensures transparency and helps you adjust rent according to market rates.

3. Inspection Clause
Include a clause allowing you to inspect the apartment every three months to monitor its condition and address any issues promptly.

4. Usage
Specify that the apartment is for residential purposes only to prevent commercial use or other unauthorized activities.

To be continued…

(Next part will cover the remaining clauses: Subletting, Character, and Maintenance & Damage Liability)

As you navigate the complexities of marriage preparations, it’s essential to understand the legal requirements for marrying at the registry. Contrary to popular belief, traditional marriage is not a prerequisite for registry marriage.

Legal Requirements for Registry Marriage:

No traditional marriage requirement : You don’t need to have a traditional marriage ceremony before marrying at the registry.

No dowry payment necessary : The payment of dowry or bride price is not a requirement for registry marriage.

Parental consent not needed : You don’t need your parents’ consent or approval to get married at the registry.

Witnesses required: You’ll need two witnesses, one from the bride’s side and one from the groom’s side, to attest to your marriage.

Legal Recognition:

Registry marriage is legally binding : A marriage certificate issued by the registry is a legally recognized document.

Protection under the law : Your marriage is protected under the law, and you can seek legal recourse if anyone questions your authority over the marriage.

Debunking the Myth:

No evidence of traditional marriage needed: You won’t be required to provide evidence of traditional marriage to get married at the registry.

In conclusion, marrying at the registry is a straightforward process that doesn’t require traditional marriage or parental consent.

With the right documentation and witnesses, you can formalize your union and enjoy the legal protections that come with it.