FINLAND – Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Government has been sentenced to six years in prison for terrorism related activities in a Finland court.
As gathered, the court ruled that Ekpa had participated in a terrorist organisation and had publicly incited crimes for terrorist purposes.
The charges relate to Ekpa’s alleged activities aimed at re-establishing an independent state in the Biafra region of southeastern Nigeria, which was briefly independent in the late 1960s.
In its verdict, the court said that Ekpa had used his significant social media following to stoke tensions in the Biafra region between August 2021 and November 2024.
It added that Ekpa was an influential member of a Biafran separatist movement, which established armed groups aimed at bringing about Biafran independence by force.
The district court’s ruling further noted that Ekpa had supplied these groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his network of contacts in the region, and he was also found to have encouraged his followers on the social media platform X to commit crimes in Nigeria.
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities on 21 November 2024, following an investigation by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into allegations of inciting terrorism and promoting violence through social media, an activity that was believed to have contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria.
Following his arrest, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court, which determined that the charge was based on “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”, alleged offences dating from August 2021 to November 2024.
During this period, the NBI also froze Ekpa’s assets, as well as those of his associates and related companies.
KANO, NIGERIA – Operatives of the Kano State Police Command apprehended 107 criminal suspects, seized 473 dangerous weapons as well as large quantity of illicit drugs.
According to report at hand, they were nabbed through “Operation Kukan Kura” in which communities engage as active stakeholders in policing.
The state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ibrahim Adamu Bakori disclosed this at a press conference on Monday on the Command’s operational success through improved strategies.
Reported by The Leadership, the operation was launched in July 2025 has resulted in the arrest of 107 suspects alleged to be involved in criminal activities including armed robbery, illicit drug trafficking, thuggery and other social vices.
The CP expressed satisfaction that the operation has led to significant reduction in thuggery-related crimes, which is the most disturbing problem in the state.
“Operation Kukan Kura engages communities as active stakeholders in policing efforts, leveraging their unique positions as the eyes and ears of the Police within neighbourhoods.
“This approach akin to community policing, has yielded remarkable results, particularly a significant reduction in thuggery-related crimes (Fadan-Daba) across the State.
“The steady decline in these crimes underscores the effectiveness of this strategy and the vital role played by community members in supporting its implementation,” he stated.
Among items recovered during operation in the month of August include 485 wraps of dried leaves suspected to be cannabis sativa, 211 pieces of suspected rubber solution, 257 bottles of ‘suck and die’, and 21 pieces of suspected Exol tablets.
59 mobile phones, 3 POS machines, 17 debit cards and 3 MP3 players as well as guns, bullets and other dangerous weapons were also part of the recovered items.
Ozoro, Nigeria – Women residing in Delta State on Tuesday have staged a protest against Fulani herdsmen due to incessant destruction of their farms and crops by cows.
According to Leadership reports, the protesting women from Isoko North local government area held leaves, moved round major streets in Ozoro and stormed the council secretariat to register their grievances.
During the peaceful protest, the protesters displayed placards bearing different inscriptions such as: “Our lives Are In Danger,’ ‘Fulani Herdsmen Leave Our Farms”, “Fulani Herdsmen Have Destroyed Our Means Of Livelihoods, and “Carry Your Cows and Leave Our Farms.”
While calling on Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and the council chairman, Godwin Ogorugba to urgently come to their aid, they lamented the protesters said they were no longer safe in their own land for fear of possible attacks by the herdsmen if trying to stop their cows from destroying crops.
Addressing the protesters, chairman of the council, Ogorugba, lamented what he called refusal of the herdsmen to adhere to the grazing laws in the state even.
He warned against incessant destruction of farms and crops in the area.
The Chairman thanked and commended the women for the way and manner they conducted themselves during the peaceful protest and assured them of government protection of lives and properties.
“The herdsmen are not complying to the open grazing laws. This is a peaceful protest and we have listened to you. We must surely act to save our people. If we have food insecurity, none of us will be able to sleep in our houses or come to our offices to work.
“We will make sure our people can go to their farms freely and come back home. Our cassavas, yams and other crops and our people will be protected because that was why we were voted into office,” he said.
FCT Nigeria – The Federal Government has begun capacity building for Desk Officers of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) drawn from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), in the implementation of the NHIA Act, 2022, and Employee Compensation Act, administered by NSITF.
In her keynote address at the two-day Sensitisation Workshop for Desk Officers of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office, in the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Patience Nwakuso Oyekunle, said the NSITF and NHIA play pivotal roles in the administration of social protection and health insurance schemes for workers both in the public and private sectors.
Oyekunle explained that the NSITF is mandated to provide social security protection including compensation for occupational hazards, while the NHIA is charged with the responsibility of providing access to quality and affordable healthcare through insurance.
As part of collaboration, she noted that the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation was interfacing with stakeholders and Desk officers to deepen their understanding and facilitate the effective implementation of operational guidelines of the social security and health coverage policies.
On the essence of the workshop, Oyekunle said: “This gathering is both timely and strategic as it reflects the Federal government’s commitment to strengthening institutional capacity, promoting synergy among key social protection institutions, and ensuring that Civil Servants benefit optimally from the programmes and services these institutions are mandated to provide.
“Desk Officers play a important role in the day-to-day interpretation and application of policies, processes, and procedures. They are operational backbone and the engine room of operational success of our MDAs.
“However, inconsistent understanding of operational guidelines has often led to delays, inefficiencies, and in some cases, poor inter-agency coordination.”
The Permanent Secretary further stressed that the workshop was designed to close the existing gaps; enhance their knowledge of the revised operational guidelines of NSITF and NHIA; as well as clarify roles, responsibilities, and areas of convergence across both agencies.
Other aims of the workshop, according to her, include to harmonise procedures to reduce redundancies and improve inter-agency collaboration; build capacity in the areas of documentation, data management, and beneficiary engagement;
and equip them with the tools to ensure transparency, accountability, and results-driven service delivery.
In his welcome address, Mr. Idris Aminu, Deputy Director, Occupational Health, Safety and Environment, said the workshop was both timely and strategic, as “NHIA is currently undergoing various reforms towards implementation of its mandate as stipulated in the new NHIA Act, 2022 and this has ushered in a new era in the nation’s journey toward achieving Universal Health Coverage.”
Aminu stated that the Employee Compensation Act, administered by the NSITF, continues to play a critical role in safeguarding the welfare of employees in the event of workplace injuries, diseases, or disabilities.
As extreme heat continues to affect parts of southern Europe, five deaths have been reported in Italy.
According the report at hand, by 10:00 a.m. (0800 GMT) on Wednesday, temperatures had already exceeded 30 degrees Celsius in Sicily.
Turkey and Greece were also experiencing high temperatures, with the Turkish city of Istanbul reaching 36 degrees Celsius and the Greek island of Lesbos reaching 38 degrees Celsius at the same time.
In Athens, the Acropolis and other popular ancient sites were to be closed during the midday hours.
Delivery service employees, construction workers, and agricultural workers have also been instructed to stop work.
Greek law requires such measures for outdoor work when temperatures climb above 40 degrees Celsius, as is expected on Wednesday and in the coming days.
Doctors have warned that elderly people and small children in particular should not spend time outdoors and that people should drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol.
The Italian authorities said there have been at least five deaths in the southern Apulia region alone in the last few days that could be related to the high temperatures.
In Palermo, the capital of Sicily, the highest heat alert level is in effect.
Heat warnings are also in place in more than a dozen other cities.
A high-pressure area from Africa, which meteorologists have named Kamel, is expected to bring temperatures of up to 45 degrees Celsius to the south of Italy.
Turkey is also groaning under the heat.
On Tuesday, temperatures of over 40 degrees Celsius were recorded in six of the country’s 81 provinces, and temperatures are expected to climb even higher on Wednesday.
The heat is exacerbated by drought, which enables forest fires to spread more rapidly.
The emergency services are currently battling three active fires. (dpa/NAN)
FCT, Nigeria – The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is currently interrogating 151 senior officers before its Force Disciplinary Committee (FDC) regarding various disciplinary matters and alleged gross misconduct.
The exercise, Leadership reports, commenced on Monday, would last till Friday, and the disciplinary committee is currently sitting at the IGP Smart Conference Hall, Force Headquarters, Abuja.
While confirming the development, the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said the step was a decisive one towards reinforcing internal accountability and professional standards.
He explained that the affected officers, who were drawn from various commands and formations across the country, were expected to undergo a thorough and transparent review process in line with extant police regulations and disciplinary procedures for final recommendation to the Police Service Commission (PSC).
According to him, “The Force Disciplinary Committee is an essential internal structure responsible for reviewing and adjudicating cases of alleged breaches of professional conduct, misconduct, and ethical violations involving senior officers of the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Police and above.”
The Force PRO added that the Nigeria Police Force remained resolute in its commitment to promoting integrity, professionalism, and public trust and that the disciplinary process reflected the Force’s keenness to maintain an accountable and service-driven institution, where standards were upheld and the rule of law respected from within.
Meanwhile, the inspector-general of police, IGP Kayode Egbetokun, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to discipline and ethical conduct within the Force and emphasised that the Force would not condone any form of indiscipline or misconduct under his watch.
Lagos, Nigeria – The Development Bank of Nigeria Plc (DBN) has kicked off applications for participation in its annual flagship capacity development programme for interested entrepreneurs.
As gathered, the DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme (DBNETP), which is now in its 7th cycle, DBN said was opened to every Nigerian interested in entrepreneurship.
A statement by DBN, said that the capacity development training programme would take place in 12 cities across Nigeria’s six geo-political zones.
The statement hinted that the training aimed to help young minds and entrepreneurs grow by strengthening their skills and capacity for business growth and sustainability.
DBNETP consists of both expert-led online modules and an in-person workshop and is likened to a business school, which comes at no cost to the participants, the bank said.
Shortlisted candidates who would attend the in-person workshop also has the opportunity to pitch their ideas and win a grant.
Commenting on issue Dr. Tony Okpanachi, Managing Director of DBN, affirmed that the capacity development programme underscored the bank’s long-term commitment to supporting both aspiring entrepreneurs to hone their entrepreneurial skills.
He said it also aimed to foster the growth and scalability of already existing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
He said: “Capacity building is pivotal for MSMEs’ growth in Nigeria as it bridges the knowledge and skills gap, empowering entrepreneurs to innovate, compete, and thrive in a rapidly evolving economy. The DBN Entrepreneurship Training Programme, which is in its 7th Cycle, highlights DBN’s focus on equipping MSMEs with the necessary skills to succeed.
“Our capacity-building training is a catalyst for unlocking MSMEs’ potential as a key driver of economic growth, innovation, job creation, and prosperity in Nigeria. This training emphasises DBN’s role in promoting economic growth through MSME development.”
Plateau, Nigeria – The Bindi-Jebbu community in the Tahoss area of Riyom Local Government, Plateau State, have been thrown into mourning as unidentified gunmen launched a deadly assault on Monday.
According the gathered report, the attack left at least 27 people dead. The victims, according to locals, made up of both men and women, who were farmers and lawfully carrying out their daily activities.
Several others sustained injuries during the assault and were rushed to hospitals in Jos, including the Jos University Teaching Hospital and Plateau Hospital.
The Chairman of Riyom Local Government, Bature Shuwa, confirmed the incident but stated he could not yet provide an official death toll. He explained that he was en route to the affected area when contacted.
The National President of the Berom Youth Moulders Association, Dalyop Solomon, also confirmed the killings. He said the attackers were suspected to be from the Fulani ethnic group, who stormed the community, opened fire indiscriminately, and set numerous houses on fire.
Read Also: Extraordinary Superstars Welcome Purp, Winner of Bigi-Sponored Nigerian Idol Season 10
“27 persons were killed, and many were injured. We have taken the bodies to different hospitals before the burial,” Solomon said.
He added that all the corpses have been deposited in various morgues, pending the announcement of their burial arrangements. As of press time, security agencies had not officially responded to the attack.
This incident is the latest in a series of violent attacks that have plagued Plateau State, raising further concerns about the region’s deteriorating security situation. Communities across the state have increasingly become targets of armed groups, prompting calls for stronger security measures.
Lagos Nigeria – The milestone season concludes with unforgettable performances, a historic victory, and ongoing support from Bigi for Nigerian musical talent.
It was a night of fulfilled dreams and history made as Purp, the electrifying vocal powerhouse, emerged as the winner of Nigerian Idol Season 10, proudly sponsored by Bigi, the flagship beverage brand from Rite Foods Limited.
With the season themed “Rise to Victory,” Purp captivated millions of viewers across Nigeria and beyond with her vocal brilliance, emotive performances, and unwavering drive, securing her place among Nigeria’s most outstanding music superstars.
The thrilling finale, held on Sunday night, saw Purp edge out fellow finalist Raymu in a dazzling display of talent, charisma, and poise, bringing the ten-week musical journey to a memorable climax. With this win, Purp takes home not only the coveted title but also a life-changing prize package including ₦30 million, a brand-new car, a music recording contract, a DStv Explora, and the opportunity to launch a flourishing music career.
For the past five seasons, Bigi has proudly served as the headline sponsor of Nigerian Idol, reinforcing its unwavering commitment to discovering and nurturing the next generation of Nigerian music icons. As a proudly Nigerian brand, Bigi continues to empower young people through platforms that celebrate originality, talent, and perseverance.
Speaking at the Grand Finale, Dr Bisola Tejumola, Head of General Entertainment at MultiChoice Nigeria, remarked:
“Tonight marks a truly historic moment on the Nigerian Idol stage. After several exciting seasons, we are proud to crown a phenomenal female winner, one who embodies the power, passion, and resilience of women in music.
To our winner, Purp, congratulations! You have not only earned this title but also made a bold and inspiring statement about representation and possibility.
I would also like to sincerely appreciate all past winners and runners-up who joined us this evening. Your presence reflects the enduring legacy Nigerian Idol has built over the past decade.”
As MultiChoice celebrates this landmark tenth season, the company reaffirms its pride in championing a platform that continues to spotlight, support, and elevate Nigeria’s brightest musical talents.
Season 10 delivered unforgettable moments, musical excellence, and a strong sense of community, as viewers tuned in weekly to witness rising stars evolve before their very eyes. With Bigi’s dynamic support, the show reached new heights in production, engagement, and cultural influence.
As Purp embarks on her next chapter, fans and industry observers alike eagerly anticipate her journey and Bigi is proud to be part of that story.
Rite Foods Limited and Bigi Drinks extend their heartfelt congratulations to Purp and reaffirm their commitment to celebrating youth, creativity, and authentic Nigerian excellence.
A ₦1.5 billion Creative Sector Fund aimed at expanding access to structured financing for creative entrepreneurs has been announced.
L-R- Abimbola Ozomah, Executive Director, Polaris Bank; Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, Founder/CEO, Woodhall Capital; Sola Carrena, MD/CEO, Helios Investment; Onyinyechi Aderigbigbe, Head, Brands & Marketing, Woodhall Capital; Jonny Baxter, British Deputy High Commissioner at the signing ceremony of the N1.5bn Creative Sector Fund & Launch of the Creative Currency Podcast at the weekend, Lagos
As gathered, Woodhall Capital in partnership with Polaris Bank, Lagos and UK governments are the ones driving the initiative meant to scale creative entrepreneurs’ output across fashion, film, music, and digital content.
The fund was unveiled during the launch of the Creative Currency Podcast, an initiative designed to foster collaboration between creatives, financiers, policymakers, and global stakeholders. The platform will serve as both a podcast and policy engagement forum, tackling long-standing challenges such as limited access to finance, weak Intellectual Property (IP) enforcement, and the absence of scalable business infrastructure within the creative ecosystem.
In May 2022, Polaris Bank partnered with the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund (LSETF) to establish a ₦1 billion funding initiative targeted at artisans in Lagos State.
The objective of the partnership was to deliver critical financial support to empower skilled artisans and entrepreneurs within the MSME sector who had maintained active business operations for at least one year ultimately fostering wealth creation and economic inclusion across the state.
At the launch event held on Thursday evening at the Ikoyi residence of the British Deputy High Commissioner, Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Abimbola Ozomah, who sat on a panel at the launch, emphasized that the fund is a long-overdue response to the structural exclusion of creatives from formal financing systems. She described the initiative as a deliberate attempt to recognize creative endeavours, intellectual property as a bankable asset and to build a framework where creatives are treated as serious entrepreneurs capable of generating significant economic value.
“This fund represents more than capital, it reflects our belief in Nigerian creativity as a global force,” said Polaris Bank’s Executive Director, Abimbola Ozomah. “We’re not just exporting talent. We’re exporting ownership, structure, and long-term value.”
Founder and CEO of Woodhall Capital, Mojisola Hunponu-Wusu, reiterated the urgent need to redefine how the financial system engages with the creative sector. She committed to providing bespoke financial products, advisory services, and investor-matching support tailored specifically for the needs of creative MSMEs.
The UK Government, through the British Deputy High Commissioner, Mr. Jonny Baxter, highlighted its longstanding commitment to Nigeria’s creative economy. The UK-Nigeria Creative Industries Partnership signed in 2024 was cited as a milestone in unlocking trade, investment, and collaborative opportunities between both countries. The Deputy High Commissioner praised the initiative as a blueprint for global creative cooperation.
The Lagos State Government, a key driver of the initiative, reaffirmed its ambition to cement Lagos as Africa’s creative capital. According to the Governor’s representative, Representing the Governor, Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, highlighted the state’s efforts in supporting the sector through progressive policy reforms, infrastructure development, and the provision of zero-interest loans of up to ₦10 million via the Lagos Creative Fund. These measures are designed to empower creatives to scale operations, access markets, and formalize their business practices.
The newly launched Creative Currency Podcast is positioned to be more than a media channel. It is a knowledge-sharing ecosystem that brings together local talents, international investors, legal experts, and cultural stakeholders to explore opportunities, identify risks, and share solutions that will elevate Nigeria’s creative industries to global standards.
Throughout the panel sessions, panelists emphasized the need for deeper structure, transparency, and professionalism in the sector. Creators were encouraged to develop clear business plans, maintain accurate financial records, formalize their operations, and assert their rights to royalties and IP protection.
As conversations deepened, financial institutions acknowledged the need for a mindset shift. Traditional risk models, they agreed, must be reimagined to reflect the unique nature of creative enterprises many of which are driven by intangible assets, flexible revenue models, and export potential.
The event concluded with a call to action: invest in the systems, not just the stories. Stakeholders were unanimous in their belief that a more structured, collaborative, and well-capitalized creative economy will deliver jobs, exports, and global relevance for Nigeria.
Polaris Bank has built a strong footprint in financing MSME by committing billions of naira in loans to support MSME operations in Nigeria, with huge lending portfolio dedicated to empower micro, small, and medium businesses meant to grow businesses, create jobs, and build wealth.
