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BREAKING: Simon Ekpa Sentenced to Six Years In Finnish Prison For Terrorism

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The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born political activist and separatist figure, to six years in prison for terrorism-related activities and other serious crimes.

Ekpa, a former municipal councillor in Lahti, was found guilty of Participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation, Inciting the public to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, Committing aggravated tax fraud and Violating provisions of the Lawyers Act.

The offenses took place between August 2021 and November 2024, and according to the court, Ekpa used social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter)—to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal and violent means.

In its ruling, the three-judge panel stated:

“Ekpa exploited his social media influence to gain a politically dominant position and took advantage of internal crises in the Biafran separatist movement to consolidate control. He was central to transforming the movement into a structured entity with armed groups.”

These armed groups, allegedly directed or influenced by Ekpa, were supplied with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his network. The court described them as terrorist organisations.

Ekpa was also accused of encouraging criminal activity in Nigeria by inciting his followers online to carry out attacks.

Arrested in December 2024, Ekpa was initially detained on suspicion of inciting terrorism and disseminating separatist propaganda.

His trial ran from May 30 to June 25, 2025, over 12 sittings, before the verdict was reached.

The court ruled unanimously, and Ekpa denied all charges throughout the proceedings.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had previously linked Ekpa to a broader investigation involving other individuals, though charges against four others were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.

Ekpa has now been remanded in custody, and Finnish authorities have not offered bail due to the severity of the convictions.

Simon Ekpa rose to prominence within Nigeria’s Biafran independence movement, especially following internal splits in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

His broadcasts and directives led to several sit-at-home orders, which have been connected to violence and civil disruptions in Nigeria’s Southeast.

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FG Unveils New School Curricula In Sweeping Overhaul

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Education Minister

In a sweeping overhaul of Nigeria’s basic and secondary education system, the Federal Government has unveiled new curricula set to take effect from the 2025/2026 academic session.

The updated framework is aimed at reducing subject overload and promoting deeper, more practical learning for students across the country.

Speaking at the official launch in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sai’d Ahmad, who represented the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, said the curriculum review was the product of extensive collaboration among several key agencies, including the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC) and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE).

“We have streamlined the number of subjects and refined the content to give learners more breathing space, more time to absorb, and more relevance to the realities they’ll face in the real world,” Prof. Ahmad said.

Under the new arrangement, Primary 1 to 3 pupils will study 9 to 10 subjects, primary 4 to 6 pupils will handle 10 to 12 subjects, junior Secondary School students will take between 12 and 14 subjects.

Senior Secondary students will offer 8 to 9 subjects while Technical school students will study 9 to 11 subjects.

The Ministry explained that the goal is to ease the pressure of excessive content, which has long been a concern for educators, students, and parents alike.

The revised approach will also ensure that students gain not just theoretical knowledge, but skills and competencies aligned with today’s economy.

A statement issued by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, emphasized that the reforms mark a significant step toward aligning Nigeria’s education system with international best practices, particularly in an era increasingly shaped by technology, innovation, and changing workforce demands.

The government also reassured stakeholders that strict monitoring and evaluation mechanisms will be put in place to ensure the effective implementation of the new curricula across public and private schools.

The rollout comes as part of broader education reforms championed by the Tinubu administration, with renewed focus on technical and vocational training, digital literacy, and inclusive learning environments.

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Over 600 Dead, 1,500 Injured After Powerful Earthquake Rocks Eastern Afghanistan

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A young boy walks through the debris at the site of an Iranian missile strike in Bnei Brak, east of Tel Aviv, on June 16, 2025. Iran unleashed a barrage of missile strikes on Israeli cities early on June 16, after Israel struck military targets deep inside Iran, with both sides threatening further devastation. (Photo by JOHN WESSELS / AFP)

 

A powerful earthquake struck eastern Afghanistan near the border with Pakistan late Sunday night, leaving a trail of devastation across remote villages and mountain communities.

By Monday morning, officials confirmed that at least 622 people had been killed and over 1,500 injured, with the toll expected to rise as rescue efforts continue.

The magnitude 6.0 tremor, recorded just before midnight local time, shook the ground across parts of Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, flattening homes, burying families in rubble, and turning already-fragile mountain communities into disaster zones.

According to Sharafat Zaman, a spokesperson for Afghanistan’s Health Ministry, “several villages have been completely destroyed.”

He added that rescue operations were still ongoing, with medics and disaster officials deployed from Kunar, Nangarhar, and even the capital, Kabul.

“The figures for martyrs and injured are changing,” Zaman said, hinting that the full scale of the disaster is yet to unfold.

Footage from TOLOnews showed heart-wrenching scenes of survivors digging through debris with bare hands, searching for loved ones.

Injured villagers were airlifted by military helicopters to the Nangarhar Regional Hospital, as local health facilities in Kunar were overwhelmed.

The Afghan Defence Ministry confirmed that it had deployed 30 doctors and 800kg of medicine to the affected region.

Taliban disaster management chief Mullah Nooruddin Turab also arrived in Kunar to oversee relief operations.

The quake struck in a particularly remote and mountainous region, complicating rescue and aid efforts.

Many of the hardest-hit areas, including Nur Gul, Soki, Watpur, Manogi, and Chapadare districts, remain largely cut off, with some villages accessible only by air.

“This is a remote, mountainous region,” said Al Jazeera’s Kamal Hyder, reporting from Lahore, Pakistan. “Locals are digging people out of rubble with their hands. The death toll will likely go up.”

Afghanistan, sitting on a complex seismic fault line, has a long history of deadly earthquakes. Just last year, over 2,000 people died in a magnitude 6.3 quake in Herat, and in 2022, another tremor killed 1,000 people in the east.

Sunday night’s quake once again laid bare the country’s vulnerability.

In Jalalabad, the nearest major city to the quake’s epicenter, residents were jolted awake by violent shaking.

Homes built with mud bricks and wood, typical in rural Afghanistan, crumbled within seconds.

Jalalabad, home to over 300,000 people, is now acting as a logistics hub for the relief efforts.

Helicopters carrying the injured and supplies fly in and out as the city’s hospitals brace for more casualties.

Humanitarian agencies are now calling for immediate international assistance.

With communication lines down in many affected areas, and infrastructure limited, there’s growing concern that survivors trapped under debris may not be found in time.

As rescue teams work against the clock, the people of eastern Afghanistan face yet another test of resilience, one marked by grief, destruction and uncertainty.

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Chaos At Iyana-Isolo As Fuel Tanker Explodes, Two Injured

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Panic gripped commuters on Sunday afternoon after a fuel tanker overturned and burst into flames at the busy Iyana-Isolo axis of the Apapa–Oshodi Expressway in Lagos.

According to eyewitnesses, the fully-loaded tanker lost control while trying to park near the Iyana-Isolo bus stop, rammed into a commercial bus, and toppled into a roadside gutter, all in a matter of seconds.

What followed was an explosion that lit up the expressway and sent people fleeing in every direction.

The blaze quickly consumed the tanker, a nearby container truck, and even part of the expressway itself.

Footage captured by bystanders showed thick smoke billowing into the sky as flames raged.

The tanker driver was seen lying on the ground with visible injuries, while a co-passenger also sustained wounds. Both victims were rushed to a nearby hospital.

“It was terrifying,” said Oladiran Olanrewaju, a truck driver who witnessed the incident.

“The tanker had brake failure. In trying to avoid hitting people, the driver swerved and lost control. The fire didn’t start immediately, but once it did, it spread fast.”

He added that it took nearly 45 minutes before the fire service arrived, a delay he described as “dangerous and unacceptable,” urging the government to improve emergency response times.

Another witness said the tanker tried to avoid a danfo (commercial bus) that suddenly crossed its path.

In doing so, it clipped the bus and fell into the gutter, leaking fuel that soon ignited.

Teams from the Lagos State Fire Service, LASEMA, police, and LASTMA rushed to the scene to contain the situation. Officials from Ikeja Electric were also present to secure the area and prevent further hazards.

According to LASTMA, the crash involved a flatbed trailer, a container-laden truck, and a danfo. The agency confirmed that the road was temporarily shut down and traffic diverted to alternative routes.

Despite the intensity of the fire, authorities say there were no fatalities.

“We responded immediately after getting the alert,” said Tunbosun Haruna, Vice Chairman of Mushin Local Government, who addressed reporters at the scene.

“Thankfully, no lives were lost. The fire has been put out, and we’ve directed LASTMA to ease the traffic, it had already built up to Ijesha.”

By late afternoon, the fire was under control, and emergency officials remained on-site to clear the wreckage and restore normal traffic flow.

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2027: Enugu East Stakeholders Adopt Governor Mbah As Sole Candidate

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Political and community stakeholders from the Enugu East Senatorial Zone have unanimously endorsed Governor Peter Mbah as their sole candidate for the 2027 governorship election in Enugu State, citing his exceptional performance and visionary leadership since assuming office.

The endorsement came via a communiqué issued at the end of a well-attended Town Hall Meeting held in Enugu on Sunday.

The gathering brought together political leaders, professionals, traditional rulers, women and youth leaders and representatives of various community and trade groups from across the zone.

According to the communique, the stakeholders expressed “total satisfaction” with Governor Mbah’s delivery on his campaign promises, highlighting that he has not only met but exceeded public expectations in the 27 months he has been in office.

“We are indeed proud that Gov. Mbah stands tall as the rave of the moment by every sector and indicator, as far as sub-national governance in Nigeria today is concerned,” the statement read.

The stakeholders praised Mbah’s administration for its landmark achievements in security and infrastructure, noting the successful establishment of the Enugu Command-and-Control Centre and the deployment of AI-powered surveillance cameras across the state.

They also highlighted the creation of a Distress Response Squad equipped with over 150 security vehicles fitted with smart technology, which has helped transform Enugu into one of the safest states in Nigeria.

This has enabled the state to host major events, including the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Annual General Conference attended by over 20,000 lawyers.

The communiqué also pointed to the administration’s substantial investments in education, allocating 33% of the state’s annual budget to the development of 260 Smart Schools, one in each political ward.

These schools are equipped with modern ICT infrastructure, e-libraries, and digital classrooms.

In healthcare, Mbah’s government has initiated the construction of 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, each with accompanying staff quarters, to ensure 24-hour service delivery across all wards.

Stakeholders commended the revival of several moribund assets, including the Enugu United Palm Products Limited, the International Conference Centre, the Hotel Presidential and the recent upgrade of NigerGas Company Limited, with ongoing work at Sunrise Flour Mills.

Governor Mbah was also credited with a transformative agenda in the transport sector, including the launch of Enugu Air, the commissioning of five modern transport terminals, and the rollout of 100 CNG-powered mass transit buses.

The communique further noted the successful federal concession to complete and operationalise the international terminal at Akanu Ibiam International Airport.

The administration has embarked on an ambitious road infrastructure project, with 1,000 kilometers of roads already completed or under construction.

Stakeholders said the government is positioning Enugu as a hub for tourism, including medical tourism, while also driving growth in agriculture, which has led to a bumper harvest in recent months.

Reflecting on these accomplishments, the stakeholders endorsed Governor Mbah for a second term in 2027, stating:

“If he has done these great works in repositioning Enugu State in just two years, it is only left to imagination what the state would look like at the end of eight years.”

They emphasized that the endorsement transcends party lines:

“In endorsing him, we want to state that we are blind to party affiliation. In the face of Nigeria’s fluid party politics, our political party is Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah.”

The statement added that Mbah has not only proven capable of transforming Enugu State but is also on course to fulfilling the dreams of the state’s founding fathers.

The communiqué was jointly signed by Dr. Ben Nwoye, Leader of the Progressives Movement in Enugu State and former APC Chairman, Chief Chijioke Edeoga, Labour Party’s 2023 governorship candidate, Chief Steve Orurua, Deputy State Chairman of PDP, Chief Sydney Edeh, ALGON Chairman, Enugu State & Chairman, Nkanu East LGA as well as Chief Augustine Nnamani, former PDP State Chairman.

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Passport Fee Hike Unlawful, SERAP Demands Immediate Reversal

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The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has condemned the recent increase in passport fees announced by the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), describing the move as unlawful, arbitrary, and discriminatory.

In a statement on Sunday, Kolawole Oluwadare, SERAP’s Deputy Director, criticized the decision, saying it would deny millions of poor and vulnerable Nigerians access to a basic constitutional right.

“Millions of disadvantaged Nigerians cannot realistically afford to pay the increased fees,” the statement read.

“They should not be forced to sacrifice their already limited income just to obtain a passport instead of meeting their essential living needs.”

SERAP maintained that the Interior Minister and the Comptroller General of Immigration acted unlawfully by unilaterally increasing the fees without proper public consultation or consideration for Nigeria’s economic realities.

The group argued that the fee hike contradicts the principles enshrined in Chapters 2 and 4 of the 1999 Constitution, which outline the government’s obligations to ensure the welfare and fundamental rights of citizens.

“The unreasonable and disproportionate increase in passport fees is incompatible with Nigeria’s constitutional and human rights obligations,” SERAP added.

It warned that the policy, if allowed to stand, would further deepen the economic hardship facing millions, especially amid rising inflation and unemployment.

Earlier this week, the Nigeria Immigration Service announced that beginning September 1, 2025, the cost of passport applications within Nigeria would be ₦100,000 for a 32-page, 5-year validity passport and ₦200,000 for a 64-page, 10-year validity passport.

The announcement marks the second increase in under a year, following a previous upward review in September 2024.

In response, SERAP called on the Federal Government to immediately reverse the hike and initiate broad-based consultations before implementing any such policy in the future.

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BREAKING: Former IG Of Police Solomon Arase Reportedly Dead

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Former Inspector-General of Police, Solomon Arase, has reportedly passed away.

According to preliminary reports, Arase died at Cedarcrest Hospital in Abuja.

While the cause of death remains unknown, official confirmation is still awaited from both his family and the Nigeria Police Force.

Details surrounding his passing are still unclear as of the time of filing this report.

Arase served as Nigeria’s 18th Inspector-General of Police, having been appointed in April 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Beyond his role as IGP, he also served as Chairman of the Police Service Commission (PSC) and held various other key positions in public service.

Details shortly..

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Updated: APC Wins 20 LGAs, PDP Takes 3 In Just Concluded Rivers Council Polls

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The All Progressives Congress (APC) has claimed a landslide victory in the just-concluded local government elections in Rivers State, winning 20 out of 23 council areas.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) managed to secure three councils.

The results were officially announced on Sunday by the Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC), Dr. Michael Odey, at the Commission’s headquarters in Port Harcourt.

According to Dr. Odey, 18 political parties took part in the exercise, which he described as peaceful and well-attended by voters across the state.

“The people of Rivers came out in large numbers and voted peacefully. We commend everyone for conducting themselves responsibly,” he said.

The APC performed strongly across most parts of the state, securing wins in key local government areas such as Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Bonny, Eleme, Emohua, Gokana, Khana, and Ikwerre, among others.

Notable APC wins include:

Khana LGA: Bariere Thomas — 156,027 votes

Emohua: Chidi Julius Lyord — 115,380 votes

Gokana: Confidence Deekor — 96,478 votes

Oyigbo: Okechukwu Akara — 101,495 votes

Eleme: Obari Ollie — 77,452 votes

In total, APC candidates emerged victorious in the following LGAs: Abua-Odual, Ahoada East, Ahoada West, Akuku Toru, Andoni, Asari Toru, Bonny, Degema, Eleme, Emohua, Etche, Gokana, Ikwerre, Khana, Ogu Bolo, Okrika, Omuma, Opobo Nkoro, Oyigbo and Tai.

The PDP, which had traditionally held a strong grip on local politics in the state, managed to hold onto three councils: Obio-Akpor, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, and Port Harcourt City.

These victories were significant in terms of vote count:

Obio-Akpor: Gift Worlu — 328,823 votes

Port Harcourt City: Allwell Ihunda — 235,054 votes

Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni: Shedrack Chuku — 51,051 votes

Observers say the PDP’s wins were expected in these urban strongholds, particularly Obio-Akpor, which is home to several key political figures.

Voters described the polls as peaceful and orderly, with many expressing appreciation for the chance to participate.

Among those who cast their votes was FCT Minister and former Rivers Governor, Nyesom Wike, who voted in his Rumuepirikom polling unit in Obio/Akpor LGA. He later commended the conduct of the elections.

“It’s important we allow democracy to thrive at the grassroots,” Wike told reporters.

Despite some concerns raised ahead of the elections, there were no reports of violence or widespread irregularities on election day.

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Hon. Okechukwu Agu: How One Man’s Selfless Leadership Is Shaping The Igbo Community In Gwagwalada

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Hon. Samuel Okechukwu Agu,

In the bustling district of Gwagwalada, Abuja, one name echoes with admiration and respect, Hon. Okechukwu Samuel Agu, the Coordinator of the Igbo Political Forum.

A successful businessman from Akpugo in Nkanu West Local Government Area of Enugu State, Hon. Agu has made Gwagwalada his home, where he lives with his family and serves as a unifying force in the community.

Speaking with several community members, his leadership is described as “the kind that brings people together, not divides them.”

One of Hon. Agu’s most notable achievements is his key role in supporting the current Chairman of the Gwagwalada Area Council.

Unlike many who view politics as a tool for personal advancement, Hon. Agu acted with a sense of greater purpose.

“I did it not for selfish interest, but to create a cordial relationship between the ruling class and the Igbo people in Gwagwalada,” he explained.

This bold and selfless decision has strengthened unity and significantly enhanced the representation of the Igbo community in local governance.

Beyond politics and community leadership, Hon. Agu is a devout supporter of the gospel of Christ. His consistent financial and moral contributions to church projects and activities demonstrate a life driven by both faith and action.

A church elder described him as “a man whose faith is reflected in action, not just words.”

To many, Hon. Agu is not just a leader, he is a mentor and an inspiration. His ability to balance politics, community service, business, and spiritual devotion sets him apart.

“My Oga, my mentor, my role model, he is the kind of man I want to be, if God, posterity and life permit,” one of his mentees shared.

Hon. Okechukwu Samuel Agu’s life is a compelling reminder that true leadership is rooted in service, sacrifice, and vision.

Whether in the arena of politics, in community development or in the church, his unwavering commitment to the common good defines his every action.

As many in Gwagwalada affirm, he is indeed a man on a mission, and one who never fails.

Nze Ikechukwu Emmanuel
📞 07030352437
📧 emmanuelnze1981@gmail.com | nzeefe4@gmail.com

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Man Beheaded In Ebonyi Community, Council Chairman Threatens To Resign

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A middle-aged man identified as Dick Nnachi has reportedly been beheaded by suspected warlords in Oso Edda, Edda Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The incident occurred on Thursday on the man’s farm, with his head still missing at the moment.

The council chairman, Chima Ekumankama, announced the incident over the weekend during the New Yam Festival celebration of the community.

In remembrance of the deceased, a moment of silence was observed at the Nguzu Edda Community Primary School, reflecting the community’s respect and solidarity.

Ekumankama expressed his deep sorrow over the beheading of Nnachi by the suspected warlords and threatened to resign from his position due to the ongoing violence in the area.

He urged the State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, to promptly establish a security checkpoint to prevent further loss of lives and property.

“Sometimes I just feel like resigning to go back to my business just because each time I see the blood of an Edda man dropped on the floor, it pains me; it makes me very uncomfortable and very sad.”

“If there is any day you hear that I have resigned, know that this is the reason I have to resign. I am seriously pained, Your Excellency.

“If it is possible, Your Excellency, let us have the army, police, and every other security apparatus in Oso Edda so that we can protect our people.

“Our people are being slaughtered, and each time they cry to me, I shed tears, I also cry. Your Excellency, I am appealing to you to please do something, please, Your Excellency, do something.

“We don’t want spilling of blood anymore. Every year, I organise prayer for cleansing of the land, and the enemies will always do that, which is not needed. We will do the prayer again to cleanse the one they have just done, but we don’t want the killings to continue.”

“Your Excellency, please, this is the only appeal I have to make today. Do something, Your Excellency, we don’t want to lose any other soul again, all because of the crisis between Oso Edda and Amasiri,” he told Governor Francis Nwifuru, who was represented by Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Moses Odunwa.

The State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Joshua Ukandu, who also confirmed the incident to Channels Television through a telephone conversation, said a team of policemen has been deployed to the disputed area.

He warned the warring communities to avoid the area declared a buffer zone by security agencies and government.

The people of Oso Edda and their Amasiri neighbours in the Afikpo Local Government Area in the state have a long-standing and violent land dispute that has resulted in deaths and destruction of properties worth billions of naira.

Efforts have been made by successive administrations and the present administration to resolve the war, to no avail.

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