FG Confirms Arrest of Simon Ekpa

By: Michael Mike

The arrest of Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa in Finland has been confirmed by the federal government.

A statement on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People
of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested by Finnish authorities on Thursday.

According to the statement, Ekpa was
charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence.

The Finnish District Court of
Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.

The Finnish authorities alleged that Mr. Ekpa used social media platforms to spread
separatist propaganda, incite violence and encourage illegal actions, which had caused
significant disruptions in the South-East of Nigeria. Finnish investigators had also linked
him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to had been fueled by his
online activities.

The statement said “the arrest of Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic
pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland, to take action against his activities,
which were linked to violence and instability in the South-East of Nigeria. The request
for action featured during high level engagements between countries.”

The Ministry stated that the arrest of Ekpa, is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB, and also neutralizing the influence of transnational actors and “their impact on our national security.”

The Ministry promised to continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.

FG Confirms Arrest of Simon Ekpa

Hawul: Zulum Allocates Space, N465m, for take-off of National Orthopaedic Hospital

By: Michael Mike

Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum has approved the allocation of N465 million and a designated space for establishing a National Orthopedic Hospital in the state.

Designated for the project is Azare, headquarters of Hawul local government area in southern Borno.

The hospital is aimed at addressing the pressing need for specialised orthopaedic care in the northeast region when established.

Zulum stated this on Thursday evening when he received members of the accreditation team from the Federal Ministry of Health led by the Director of Hospital Services in the ministry, Dr Jimoh Saludeen.

Zulum explained that the state government would cede ownership of the General Hospital in Azare to establish the national orthopaedic hospital. While about N465m he approved will also be used to rehabilitate the facility completely.

Zulum also stated that: “We have General Hospital, Azare, belonging to Borno State Government. We will move them to another location and I have approved the sum of N465m for the rehabilitation of the hospital. We are not only giving the hospital but including the staff quarters.”

Zulum added: “In addition to this, if there is any need, the state government can support you in realising the dream of establishing the national orthopaedic hospital. The federal government might own the hospital, but who are the beneficiaries? Who will use the hospital? The greatest beneficiaries are the people of Borno State.”

Briefing the governor earlier, Dr Jimoh Saludeen stated that their visit was to assess the proposed site for establishing a National Orthopaedic Hospital in Azare, Borno State, following the president’s approval.

Jimoh also commended Governor Babagana Umara Zulum for supporting his team and providing the needed leadership for the people of Borno State.

The delegation comprises the member representing Askira/Hauwal constituency at the House of representatives, Midala Balami, and his predecessor who sponsored the bill for the establishment of the hospital, Dr Haruna Mishelia.

The Chief Medical Director of the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital, Professor Ahmed Ahidjo and other senior officials of the Federal Ministry of Health.

The Secretary to Borno State Government, Bukar Tijani and the Chief Adviser to the Governor and cordinator sustainable development and humanitarian response, Dr Mairo Mandara were also part of the meeting.

Hawul: Zulum Allocates Space, N465m, for take-off of National Orthopaedic Hospital

NHRC, ROLAC, Other Stakeholders Begin 16-Day Activism Against GBV

By: Michael Mike

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), in collaboration with stakeholders, has launched this year’s 16-day activism against gender-based violence, which is part of the 2024 International Human Rights Day.

This year’s celebration, themed, “Equality – reducing inequality and Advancing Human Rights,” aims to highlight the importance of promoting equality and addressing the barriers that hinder the realisation of fundamental human rights.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja, the Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Dr. Tony Ojukwu, said there is the need for collective action to combat gender-based violence (GBV) in the country.

He revealed that the campaign would focus on raising awareness, fostering dialogue, and advocating for policy reforms to prevent and respond to GBV, particularly violence against women and girls.

He disclosed that the NHRC, in collaboration with civil society organisations, government agencies, and other stakeholders, has planned various activities across the country to amplify its message.

Ojukwu said the activities include roadshows, advocacy visits to key officials such as state First Ladies, state assemblies, and judiciary leaders, as well as engagements with youth and women’s groups, religious and traditional leaders, and health workers.

He also disclosed that students in schools would be involved in the activities of the days, using creative approaches like drama and songs to raise awareness about the dangers of GBV and the importance of gender equality.

Ojukwu explained that the significance of this year’s activities aligned with the broader objectives of International Human Rights Day.

He said the commemoration will feature a range of impactful events, such as debates and quizzes for students to deepen their understanding of human rights, forums for civil society and lawmakers to discuss legislative gaps, and exhibitions showcasing the contributions of human rights defenders in Nigeria.

Ojukwu said NHRC’s efforts will culminate in a symbolic Human Rights Walk and an awards dinner on December 10, celebrating individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to the promotion of human rights in Nigeria.

He said the commission has also planned a high-level forum to explore the intersection of human rights and corporate responsibility, as well as a town hall meeting to discuss innovative approaches to litigating human rights cases.

Dr. Ojukwu expressed gratitude to the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC) programme for its support.

The event was organised in partnership with the Rule of Law and Anti-Corruption (RoLAC), funded by the European Union and implemented by International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (International IDEA).

.
This year’s campaign is particularly crucial in Nigeria, where gender-based violence remains a pervasive issue. Last week, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) said it received 427,606 complaints of human rights violations in October 2024 from its 38 offices across the country.

According to UN Women, nearly one in three women experience violence in their lifetime, and girls are at particular risk of violence, with one in four adolescent girls being abused by their partners.

NHRC, ROLAC, Other Stakeholders Begin 16-Day Activism Against GBV