Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said that President Bola Tinubu has been unwavering in his commitment to press freedom and protection of journalists because of his understanding that a free and responsible press is indispensable to democracy.
Speaking in Owerri, Imo State during the 8th triennial delegate conference of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, NUJ, the Minister, represented by the Director, Public Relations and Protocol, Federal Ministry of Information and National Orientation, Dr Suleiman Haruna, said journalists’ role is indispensable in shaping a society that values transparency, accountability and justice; as they, through their reports, empower citizens with information needed to make informed decisions and hold leaders accountable.
He described the theme of the event, “Media and Democracy: the journalist’s role in holding leaders accountable”, as one at the heart of the collective responsibility to build and sustain a thriving democracy, noting that holding leaders accountable demands courage, integrity and professionalism.
The Minister said democracy, as being practiced in Nigeria, thrives on transparency, accountability and citizen participation, adding that promoting media literacy will help to foster a more discerning audience and strengthen the role of journalism in nation-building.
Leader of the Autopilot militant wing of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the promoter of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, is scheduled to face charges in May 2025 potentially, according to Finnish authorities.
A Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, confirmed to The PUNCH via email on Tuesday that the district court had set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to present possible charges against Ekpa.
The Finnish government had last week announced the arrest of Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Finnish Police confirmed that Ekpa, described as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile (BGIE), allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South East region of Nigeria, targeting civilians and authorities.
According to local publication Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
The publication reported that the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in a statement last Thursday, noting that the other suspects were apprehended for allegedly financing terrorist activities.
Giving an update on the case in response to The PUNCH enquiries, detective Laaksonen noted that the investigation was ongoing, and no further details could be disclosed.
Asked when Ekpa’s case would come up in court, he replied: “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed.
“The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.”
He noted that Ekpa and the Finnish authorities may request a re-evaluation after two weeks.
“In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained.
The case has drawn significant international attention, with Finnish authorities confirming that cross-border cooperation is integral to the investigation.
However, officials have refrained from providing further information about the nature or extent of the international collaboration.
“International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case but no further comments can be given on the subject at this point,” the NBI stated.
Ekpa gained notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to violent enforcement measures and attacks on residents.
He was first arrested in February 2023 for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other South-East residents.
The suspect’s activities prompted global petitions from Nigerians urging the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take action.
In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, to demand Finland’s cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa.
Last Thursday, the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered that Ekpa be imprisoned “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, was accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism.
As a prominent figure in the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra, he has championed a controversial call for an independent Biafran State.
His rhetoric escalated in recent years, with explicit endorsements of violence and disruptions to Nigerian elections.
Finnish authorities have linked Ekpa to coordinated attacks targeting civilians and the security forces, with investigations tracing some of these activities back to 2021.
His use of social media as a platform for incitement and fundraising is a central element of the case.
The sit-at-home orders enforced by the ESN had caused devastating economic consequences in the South-East.
According to reports, the region has lost over ₦4trn in two years due to these activities and the resulting insecurity.
On the heels of Ekpa’s detention, the Federal Government said it would monitor the legal proceedings in Finland.
In a statement by the Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Friday, the government described Ekpa’s arrest as a critical step in addressing IPOB’s activities and mitigating the influence of transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the arrest of Mr Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and also neutralising the influence of transnational actors on our national security.
“The Ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement read.
Checks revealed that his X handle (@simon_ekpa) had been inactive for seven days.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has hailed the arrest of Ekpa in Finland as a significant step toward curbing violence in the South-East.
Abaribe, who spoke in an interview on Channels Television on Monday, expressed hope that Ekpa’s detention would discourage those instigating unrest in the region.
Abaribe accused Ekpa and his followers of exploiting the Biafra agitation to perpetrate crimes, deviating from the peaceful ideals of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
“The arrest of Simon Ekpa is something that is very welcome because this will tell all those people at home, who are purveyors of violence and instigated by Simon Ekpa that he actually said that he is just a content creator and not a serious person,” he said.
It is the turn of River State to produce the next Ohanaeze President – General come January 2025. In the press statement released and signed by the Spokesman of Biafra De Facto Customary Government- Comrade Prosper Odinga , ndigbo should ensure that equity ,fairness and justice are pursued in the selection of next Ohanaeze PG. The full statement reads ”The reality of life is clear: decades after the end of the Nigeria-Biafra conflict, which culminated in historical revisionism among other issues, Mba-Miri has risen to reclaim their Igbo heritage.
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government (BDFCG) unequivocally supports the candidacy of any distinguished Igbo personality from Rivers State for the position of President-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in January 2025.
BDFCG recognizes the wealth of distinguished Igbo leaders in Rivers State who can credibly serve the interests of Ndigbo.
Among these outstanding figures is Dimm Uchechukwu Nnam Okwukwu, who has previously served Ohanaeze Ndigbo in various capacities, including as Secretary-General under the administration of Chief Nnia Nwodo. The ascension of Dimm Uchechukwu Nnam Okwukwu to the office of Ohanaeze President-General would unify and cement the collective aspirations of our human legacy and heritage. His emergence at this critical juncture offers an unparalleled opportunity to heal divisions, foster reconciliation, and reinforce the bonds of brotherhood that unite all Igbo-speaking peoples, regardless of geographical boundaries.
It is disheartening to witness attempts by certain fifth columnists to undermine this historic moment by questioning the Igboness of the Rivers Igbo. Such divisive narratives, orchestrated by individuals and groups seeking to derail the constitutional rotation of Ohanaeze leadership, are a direct affront to the principles of fairness and the shared heritage of the Igbo nation. These actions perpetuate disunity and weaken the collective strength of the Igbo people both within Nigeria and beyond.
The Rivers Igbo, an integral part of the Igbo heritage, have made undeniable contributions to the political, cultural, and economic advancement of our people. Denying them their rightful turn to lead Ohanaeze Ndigbo not only violates the organization’s constitution but also risks alienating a vital component of our collective identity.
The BDFCG calls on all stakeholders, including traditional rulers, political leaders, and civil society groups within Ndigbo, to uphold the principles of justice and inclusivity. We urge Ohanaeze Ndigbo to resist external pressures and reaffirm its commitment to rotational leadership, ensuring that all Igbo-speaking communities are represented and given the opportunity to lead.
As we approach January 2025, let us remain steadfast in our pursuit of unity. We must reject divisive rhetoric and work together to strengthen the bonds that tie us as one people. Supporting Uche Okwukwu’s candidacy is not just a step toward honoring constitutional fairness; it is a bold statement of solidarity and a commitment to reuniting the Igbo family.
The Biafra De Facto Customary Government firmly stands behind Uche Okwukwu and the Rivers Igbo in this noble quest. Together, we shall overcome all challenges and build a future where unity, equity, and justice reign supreme in Igbo land”
Simon Ekpa, self-proclaimed IPOB leader, has been arrested in Finland for spreading terrorist propaganda on social media in 2021.
Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has reportedly been arrested on Thursday, by Finnish authorities.
The district court of Päijät-Häme subsequently ordered his imprisonment for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.
According to reports, the alleged offence was committed in 2021 in Lahti municipality, Finland.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed the arrest, adding that four other men were also detained in connection with suspected terrorist offences.
Gunmen, reportedly enforcing the banned sit-at-home order, launched a series of deadly attacks on Monday morning in various communities throughout Anambra Central Senatorial Zone.
The violence unfolded between 8 am and 10 am in Abatete, Abagana, and Ukpo, resulting in at least five fatalities and numerous injuries.
The first assault occurred in Abatete, where attackers targeted security personnel assigned to the town’s President-General (PG). Three security guards were shot dead, and the PG sustained severe injuries, necessitating urgent transport to a nearby hospital.
In separate assaults, the gunmen struck Abagana and Ukpo, claiming the lives of a member of the Vigilante Group and a motorcycle rider at the Ukpo roundabout in Dunukofia Local Government Area.
The police have confirmed these incidents. A spokesperson for the police in the state stated, “Details are still emerging, but our operatives are on-site. I will provide more information as soon as possible.”
… case adjourned to 29th November for more witnesses to testify
Anambra State High Court sitting in Ogidi has adjourned till 29th November and 3rd December the murder case the state government brought against one Chiugo Ajuluchukwu from Umuezema Village Ojoto in Idemili South Local Goverment Area of the state.
Professional witnesses shall be testifying on the next adjourned date against Mr Ajuluchukwu who is accused of killing his stepmother, Ifeoma Ajuluchukwu, on or about 15th January, 2024 by beating her till she fell down, was hospitalized and died, offence contrary to Section 274(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 36, Vol. II, Revised Laws of Anambra State 1991.
A Prosecution Witness, Oluchukwu Ajuluchukwu, had informed the court presided over by Justice Emeka Okuma that the defendant, Chiugo, on the ill-fated Monday, arrived his stepmother’s residence with his son and started removing the roof and ceiling of the place where she was sleeping.
She added that the stepmother, in a bid to make him stop, picked up a stick and hit it on the windscreen of Chiugo’s car, which made him climb down from the roof, and while the son was holding the woman, the defendant, in anger, gave her a fist blow on the chin, leaving her unconscious for some time.
After a recorded video clip of part of the incident was played and admitted in evidence, Justice Okuma adjourned the matter for continuation of trial; while the defendant remains in detention.
Assistant Chief State Counsel, Ministry of Justice Awka, Amara Muojeke is representing the state in the matter, while Dr. Kachidobelu Bielu is appearing for the defendant.
“Whatever does not give appropriate opportunity or rights to the people will be resisted no matter what you do. If other things fail, people can revolt. If we are conscious of all this and understand the consequences of things getting out of hand, we would be interested in finding the best ways to govern ourselves.”
A former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, has raised the alarm over what he described as “worsening economic, political, and spiritual conditions” in Nigeria.
He stated that if left unaddressed, these conditions could lead to a revolution.
Mr Aregbesola, a former political ally of President Bola Tinubu, made this statement on Monday during a panel session at a national dialogue on the Parliamentary Bill, organised by the Parliamentary System Support Group in the House of Representatives in Abuja.
The session featured Mr Aregbesola, the former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, the Minority Leader of the House, Kingsley Chinda, youth advocate Chimdi Neliaku, and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Benin, Edoba Omoregie.
It was moderated by Nnenna Ekeji, a former member of the lower chamber.
The group is advocating for Nigeria’s return to a parliamentary system. In February, 60 lawmakers sponsored a bill in the National Assembly to amend the 1999 Constitution to facilitate the transition to the system.
Mr Aregbesola stated that Nigeria is declining daily. He cited rising inequality between the few wealthy and the majority poor. He said the worsening economic situation and lack of guaranteed rights make revolution an acceptable option for many.
“We have seen worsening economic—even political and spiritual—conditions of Nigerians. You don’t need to be a nuclear scientist to know that. A smaller percentage of Nigerians are now prosperous—not that there is no prosperity in Nigeria—but it is decreasing daily.
“When I was born, and during my developmental years, wealth was not as limited to the hands of a very few people as it is today. So, what does that tell us? It tells us that we are in deep trouble. We would not be here discussing this if things were normal in Nigeria,” he said.
Mr Aregbesola, who served as interior minister in the immediate past administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, said he had mentioned in passing that the primary responsibility of government is the welfare and security of the people. He argued that there cannot be a stable society when these two things cannot be guaranteed.
“Whatever does not give appropriate opportunity or rights to the people will be resisted no matter what you do. If other things fail, people can revolt. If we are conscious of all this and understand the consequences of things getting out of hand, we would be interested in finding the best ways to govern ourselves,” he said.
Mr Aregbesola strongly argued for transitioning to a parliamentary system, as outlined in the proposed bill, arguing that it is impractical for a single individual to govern a country of 220 million people.
He insisted he has never supported the executive system.
The former governor, who introduced the parliamentary system at the local government level during his tenure, further argued that the “dictatorial tendencies” of Nigerian leaders could lead to another form of colonialism, adding that their current attitude is similar to that seen in pre-colonial Nigeria.
“If we go on believing that one person, no matter how capable, has the capacity to govern over 220 million Nigerians alone, without checks, we are kidding ourselves. By that alone, I am opposed to the executive system of government. I believe in a collective arrangement, which the parliamentary system best supports for a nation like ours.
“There was a weakness that led to our colonialism in the first place; it was a weakness. If you are strong enough, you wouldn’t be colonised. Part of it is these individual dictators we call rulers,” he said.
Crackdown
Mr Aregbesola’s warning is coming amid an increased government crackdown on protesters.
Last week, the government came under scrutiny following the arraignment of some underage Nigerians for treason in connection with the August protests against economic hardship.
Committee did a terrible job—Dogara
In his remarks, Mr Dogara, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, criticised the 49-member committee that drafted the 1979 Constitution, which is currently in use.
He said the committee could have done a better job adopting the American presidential system, selecting convenient aspects and ignoring others of equal importance.
Citing examples, Mr Dogara highlighted that the 1979 and 1999 Constitutions lack clear provisions for impeaching an executive. He stated that the provisions in section 143 of the Constitution make impeaching a president impractical.
“The major problem with the presidential system is not because we borrowed it but because those who copied the system did not do a wonderful job. I realised this in my undergraduate days. The issue is that the framers of the 1979 Constitution didn’t truly adopt the American system. In the US, impeachment of the executive is real; it can happen. Even judges can be impeached.
“The House conducts impeachment for both the executive and judiciary, while the Senate tries them. If convicted by the Senate, they are removed, and it’s real. But in Nigeria, section 143 doesn’t offer any practical framework for impeachment. At the end of the day, all the National Assembly’s efforts are handed over to a panel of politicians they call people of impeccable character.
“I don’t know where we can find these ‘angels’. Their determination is final and cannot be challenged by the National Assembly or any court in Nigeria. And these seven people of ‘impeccable character’ are appointed by the CJN, who are appointed by the president—so how can this system work in reality?” he asked.
The former Speaker also addressed concerns that President Tinubu might use the opportunity to seek a third term by transitioning to a prime ministerial role after his tenure as president.
While acknowledging these concerns, Mr Dogara added that proper constitutional amendments could help address them.
Other speakers at the event included Usman Bugaje, the former National Secretary of the Action Congress of Nigeria, former Vice Chancellor of the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) and Chairman of the Northern Elders Forum, Ango Abdullahi, a chieftain of the Pan-Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, Ayo Adebanjo, and others.
Both Messrs Abdullahi and Adebanjo co-chaired the event.
Donald Trump, the United States president-elect, has appointed billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk to head a new department aimed at improving government operations.
Musk, a prominent supporter of Trump’s campaign to return to the White House, will oversee the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), working alongside Vivek Ramaswamy, a former Republican presidential contender.
This department, however, is not a formal government agency.
Instead, it will provide advisory services with the goal of reducing governmental inefficiencies, eliminating unnecessary regulations, and cutting wasteful spending.
The initiative is designed to partner with the Office of Management and Budget, driving structural reforms across federal agencies.
Trump has expressed his commitment to reshaping the U.S. government, aiming to streamline operations and reduce bureaucracy.
The project is set to conclude by July 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Trump is confident that this initiative will foster a more efficient government, benefiting Americans and ensuring accountability in managing the nation’s $6.5 trillion annual spending.
USA court has declined an emergency application seeking to compel top US law enforcement agencies to hasten the release of confidential information on President Bola Tinubu.
The position was stated in a memorandum filed by the Central Intelligence Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Drug Enforcement Administration before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, which renowned journalist, David Hundeyin, shared on Twitter on Tuesday night.
Recall that last year, the court declined an emergency application seeking to compel top US law enforcement agencies to hasten the release of confidential information on President Bola Tinubu.
Giving an update on the case, Hundeyin said the three US agencies had filed their defence against the summary judgment concerning President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drug trafficking investigation records.
The journalist wrote: ‘Yesterday(Monday) in federal court, the CIA, FBI, and DEA filed a memorandum opposing our motion for summary judgment in the FOIA disclosure case about President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s drug trafficking investigation records, where we are seeking to have the redactions removed from the (partially released) files.
“In the filing, the CIA effectively confirmed that Nigeria’s sitting president is an active CIA asset. An excerpt from the CIA filing reads:
“Human sources can be expected to furnish information to the CIA only when they are confident the CIA can and will do everything in its power to prevent the public disclosure of their cooperation. In the case of a person who has been cooperating with the CIA, official confirmation of that cooperation could cause the targets to take retaliatory action against that person or against their family or friends.
“It also places in jeopardy every individual with whom the cooperating individual has had contact. Thus, the indiscretion of one source in a chain of intelligence sources can damage an entire spectrum of sources.
“As such, confirming or denying the existence of records on a particular foreign national, like Tinubu, reasonably could be expected to cause damage to U.S. national security by indicating whether or not the CIA maintained any human intelligence sources related to Tinubu, and identifying any access or lack of access any such sources had to intelligence concerning him ”
“And if that wasn’t bad enough, the DEA’s filing included a paragraph that literally said: “We oppose full, unredacted disclosure of the DEA’s Bola Tinubu heroin trafficking investigation records because we believe that while Nigerians have a right to be informed about what their government is up to, they do not have a right to know what their president is up to.”
“At this point, I think there is nothing more to be said about the direct role that the US government plays in ensuring that Africa is constantly destabilised and afflicted with terrible leaders who create poverty and devastation.”
The Federal Government of Nigeria has finally confirmed the death of Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen Taoreed Lagbaja.
The death of the general was announced on Wednesday by President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement issued by the Spokesman of the President, Bayo Onanuga, the army chief was said to have died in Lagos on Tuesday.
Part of the statement reads:
“Born on February 28, 1968, Lt. General Lagbaja was appointed Chief of Army Staff on June 19, 2023, by President Tinubu.
“His distinguished military career began when he enrolled in the Nigerian Defence Academy in 1987. On September 19, 1992, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Nigerian Infantry Corps as a member of the 39th Regular Course.
“Throughout his service, Lt. General Lagbaja demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment, serving as a platoon commander in the 93 Battalion and the 72 Special Forces Battalion.
“He played pivotal roles in numerous internal security operations, including Operation ZAKI in Benue State, Lafiya Dole in Borno, Udoka in Southeast Nigeria, and Operation Forest Sanity across Kaduna and Niger States.
“An alumnus of the prestigious U.S. Army War College, he earned a Master’s degree in Strategic Studies, demonstrating his dedication to professional growth and excellence in military leadership.
“Lt. General Lagbaja is survived by his beloved wife, Mariya, and their two children.
“President Tinubu expresses his heartfelt condolences to the family and the Nigerian Armed Forces during this difficult time. He wishes Lt. General Lagbaja eternal peace and honors his significant contributions to the nation.”
There have been controversy over the death of the army chief as military authorities countered news of the general’s death three weeks ago warning Nigeria media to desist from circulating what it called “fake news.”
Our Reporter reports that Tuesday, President Bola Tinubu approved the elevation of the Acting Chief of Army Staff, Oluyede to the rank of Lt. General in preparation for assuming office as substantive Chief of Army Staff.
