Crime

Breaking: Defence Chief Musa Confirms Simon Ekpa Still On Trial In Finland

Published

8 months ago

August 22, 2025

Breaking: Defence Chief Musa Confirms Simon Ekpa Still On Trial In Finland

Abuja, Nigeria (August 22, 2025) – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has confirmed that pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa is still standing trial in Finland for terrorism-related offences.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, General Musa said Ekpa’s arrest in November 2024 by Finnish authorities had contributed to a noticeable improvement in security across Nigeria’s South-East.

“He (Ekpa) is still undergoing prosecution in Finland. So, we are hopeful. When we talked about him, people thought we were making noise, but since he has been arrested, the Southeast is getting better. We are going to go after the likes of him, wherever they are, and whatever it takes until we bring them down,” Musa stated.

Who Is Simon Ekpa?

Simon Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen and self-styled leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been accused of masterminding violent sit-at-home orders and armed attacks in Nigeria’s South-East.

Finnish police arrested him in late 2024 following intelligence cooperation with Nigerian security services. According to reports by Reuters and YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company), he faces charges of supporting terrorism, financing armed groups, and coordinating attacks remotely.

Ekpa rose to prominence after the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu in 2021, presenting himself as Kanu’s successor. However, his leadership style quickly split IPOB, with multiple factions forming and violence escalating across the South-East.

South-East Security After Ekpa’s Arrest

General Musa stressed that Ekpa’s detention had reduced the intensity of insecurity in the South-East, which has been plagued by armed attacks, kidnappings, and assassinations linked to separatist elements.

Troops under his command are currently targeting Ekpa’s associates across Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states, which remain the hotbed of pro-Biafra militancy.

Military sources disclosed that ongoing raids have led to several arrests, recovery of weapons, and dismantling of camps used by armed groups loyal to Ekpa.

Civil society observers agree with Musa’s assessment. A 2025 report by International Crisis Group noted a “relative decline” in separatist violence in the South-East after Finland began investigating Ekpa’s activities.

Ansaru Commanders’ Capture: A Major Win

In addition to the Ekpa development, General Musa also hailed the recent capture of top Ansaru terrorist commanders as one of the military’s most important achievements this year.

Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram with strong links to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, has been active in Nigeria’s North-West, carrying out kidnappings and ambushes.

Musa credited the success to improved synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force:

“What has changed is that we have synergy with all the organisations, and that is why we have seen all the successes,” he said.

Regional and Global Cooperation

General Musa revealed that Nigeria will host an African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference starting Monday. The conference aims to foster collaboration among African militaries in combating terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crime.

Security analysts argue that Nigeria’s willingness to lead regional cooperation is crucial, given the continent-wide threats from extremist groups such as:

Al-Shabaab in East Africa,
Islamic State affiliates in the Sahel,
Ansaru and ISWAP in Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin.

The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism has repeatedly emphasized that no single country can defeat terrorism alone; cross-border intelligence sharing and joint operations are essential.

Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy

Observers warn that the trial of Simon Ekpa in Finland will test not only Nigerian-Finnish relations but also the global fight against terrorism.

If convicted, Ekpa’s sentencing could set an important precedent for holding diaspora-based agitators accountable. If acquitted, however, Nigerian authorities may face renewed challenges in curbing his influence among separatist loyalists.

Meanwhile, human rights groups such as Amnesty International have urged Nigerian security forces to balance counterinsurgency efforts with the protection of civilian rights, warning against excessive force in the South-East.

Conclusion

The confirmation by General Christopher Musa that Simon Ekpa is still facing prosecution in Finland underscores a new phase in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts—one that extends beyond its borders.

While Ekpa’s arrest has improved conditions in the South-East, sustained peace will depend on Nigeria’s ability to maintain military pressure, foster regional cooperation, and address the root causes of separatist grievances.

As Nigeria prepares to host African defence chiefs next week, the message is clear: the fight against terrorism requires unity, accountability, and unwavering commitment both at home and abroad.

Crime

Tenant Allegedly St@bs Landlord In Delta

Published

4 months ago

December 23, 2025

Eyesjournals

Tenant Allegedly St@bs Landlord In Delta

A tragic incident has rocked Boji-Boji Owa in Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State, where a landlord, Mr. Lucky Obaze, was allegedly st@bbed to d3ath by his tenant during a dispute over a ₦1,500 electricity bill.

The suspect, identified only as Chiboy, is reportedly from Calabar, Cross River State.

According to Ika Weekly Newspaper, Chiboy and his brother, Victor, occupied a one-room apartment in a building owned by Mr. Obaze’s late father. The deceased, an indigene of the Owa-Oyibu community, lived in the same compound with his wife and six children.

Recounting the tragic event, which occurred on December 21, 2025, one of the victim’s children, Master Success Lucky, said the altercation started when his father went to collect the monthly electricity bill, as he routinely did.

“My father went to Chiboy to collect the ₦1,500 light bill, and they started arguing,” the visibly distressed boy said.

“I was alone with my father. If my mother had been around, this wouldn’t have happened. They fought downstairs where Chiboy stays, and afterward my father went upstairs to rest.”

He continued, “Suddenly, Chiboy came upstairs with a knife. I tried to stop him, but he was stronger than me. He met my father sitting in the parlour and st@bbed him.”

The victim’s wife, Mrs. Helen Obaze, has called on security agencies, the Nigerian government, and human rights groups to ensure justice is served.

Overcome with grief, she lamented that she has been left to single-handedly care for their six children.

Mrs. Obaze added that her husband’s body has been deposited at the mortuary to allow the police to carry out a full investigation into the incident.

Crime

‘Call Of Duty’ Creator Dies In Fiery Car Crash

Published

4 months ago

December 23, 2025

Eyesjournals

‘Call Of Duty’ Creator Dies In Fiery Car Crash

Vince Zampella, the legendary co-creator of the global video game phenomenon Call of Duty, has reportedly died after a tragic car accident, according to a confirmation released Monday by gaming powerhouse Electronic Arts. He was 55 years old.

Local outlet NBC4 reported that Zampella was driving his Ferrari along a scenic mountain route north of Los Angeles on Sunday when the vehicle suddenly left the road under unclear circumstances, slammed into a concrete barrier, and erupted into flames.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) stated that both Zampella and a passenger were thrown from the car and later succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. Dramatic videos circulating on social media showed the wreckage of the cherry-red Ferrari completely engulfed in fire on the roadside.

Authorities confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the accident.

Zampella was widely celebrated as a trailblazer in the gaming world and a driving force behind the evolution of modern first-person military shooters. He co-created the Call of Duty franchise and later founded Respawn Entertainment, the studio responsible for hit titles including Titanfall, Apex Legends, and the Star Wars Jedi series.

He began his journey in the gaming industry in the 1990s and went on to co-found Infinity Ward in 2002. The studio released the first Call of Duty game in 2003, launching a franchise that would grow into one of the most successful in gaming history, boasting over 100 million active players each month.

Infinity Ward was later acquired by Activision, solidifying Zampella’s status as one of the most influential and respected figures in contemporary video game development.

Crime

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Published

5 months ago

November 28, 2025

Eyesjournals

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges as multiple communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced coordinated attacks this week. These incidents come just days after the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State……CONTINUE READING

New Abduction in Niger State

Residents of Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area were thrown into distress on Wednesday when armed groups invaded a rice farm and abducted several workers, including a pregnant woman. Community sources estimated the number of kidnapped victims to be around 24, while the Niger State Police Command confirmed 10 abductions as investigations continue.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. while farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Despite the community’s close proximity to a military base in Erena, the attackers escaped before security personnel arrived.

In a separate incident in Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, residents reported that a visually impaired man was assaulted after refusing to hand over a mobile phone. The victim was given first aid, though his current condition remains unclear.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks, assuring that security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

Fresh Abductions in the FCT

In Abuja, communities in the Bwari Area Council faced renewed tension following another night attack in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement near the Kaduna boundary. Six young women and a 16-year-old boy were taken during the raid, according to residents.

The attack, which occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, created panic among locals already concerned by previous incidents in the region. Local vigilance groups attempted to intervene but retreated due to limited resources.

As of Thursday morning, families reported that no contact had been made with the attackers, while police were still verifying the details.

Church Confirms Passing of Kaduna Cleric

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was abducted in October along with his wife and daughter. His passing was described as a deep loss to the Diocese and the wider Christian community. The Church also announced the cancellation of the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Diocese assured that prayers continue for the safe return of his wife and daughter.

Federal Government Responds to Rising Insecurity

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal networks responsible for attacks across the country. He explained that intermittent assaults are typical of guerrilla-style tactics but insisted that security forces are “working day and night” to restore normalcy.

He further confirmed that the Federal Government has launched a full investigation into recent school abductions, including claims that security personnel were withdrawn prior to an incident in Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy Over 11,000 Personnel

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have now been deployed to underserved communities to strengthen grassroots security.

He stated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving community policing and ensuring fair distribution of manpower nationwide.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Better Equipment, Not More Personnel

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on the Federal Government to prioritize properly equipping the officers already serving across the country rather than recruiting additional personnel. The Cardinal emphasized the need for immediate action, stressing that adequately supported police officers are capable of confronting insecurity.

Experts and Community Leaders Advocate Unity

Former Senator Shehu Sani and humanitarian organizations participating in the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance urged Nigerians to embrace unity, understanding, and dialogue. They highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting security agencies with the resources they need to protect communities.