International
Simon Ekpa: We Are Waiting on the Court to Take Action, Says Finland Minister
Simon Ekpa: We Are Waiting on the Court to Take Action, Says Finland Minister
By: Michael Mike
The Government of Finland on Tuesday said the judicial process has to be exhausted for Simon Ekpa, one of the leaders of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to be extradited from the Nordic country.
Simon Ekpa has in various videos and online post instigated violence against Nigerian government and called for secession of Biafra from Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has consistently demanded for his extradition from Finland where he is presently residing to face charges in Nigeria.
Addressing a press conference in Abuja during the visit of five Nordic countries ministers of foreign affairs, Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen gave an assurance that the judicial issue regarding Simon Ekpa will be closed very soon.
She noted that Ekpa’s case is not considered political but judicial and Finland being a democracy that respect rules of law would want to wait until the case against the Biafran leader is judged at the court before action is taken on him.
She said “the case against the person in question is a judicial issue which must run through its course.”
She however said the judicial hurdle must first be removed.
She said: “If you mean a specific person who is operating in Finland in a not very, say, constructive manner, then indeed we have taken this up and discussed this with the Nigerian authorities in full collaboration.
“And the entire process is within our judicial system, and in Finland, who operates very strictly by the rule of law, such as we see that Nigeria is doing as well.
“It is not a political question, but it is a question to the judicial system, and both our judicial systems do collaborate on this matter, and we hope that we will be able to close it soon.
The other Nordic ministers at the meeting are Mr Tobias Billström, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden, Ms Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, Ms Bjørg Sandkjær, State Secretary for International Development, Norway and Ms Eva Marie Frida Barløse, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy, Denmark.
All the Ministers said they are in Nigeria to increase trading with their countries and see Nigeria as an important partner.
Simon Ekpa: We Are Waiting on the Court to Take Action, Says Finland Minister
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has extended its warm congratulations to Germany on the successful election of Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor. The Conservative Leader
won with 325 votes in the 630-Seat Bundestag on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “Nigeria commends Germany’s strong democratic traditions and values, which have once again been demonstrated through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We are confident that under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, Germany will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As longstanding partners, Nigeria looks forward to deepening bilateral relations with Germany in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, security, and sustainable development. We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international fora.
“The Nigerian government and people wish the new Chancellor a successful tenure and express our readiness to work closely with Germany for the benefit of both nations and the global community.”
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.
The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.
The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”
The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
Chinese National Abducted in Durumi Abuja, as Kidnappers demand N300million ransom
By: Zagazola Makama
A suspected abduction occurred on April 18, 2025, when Mr. Yangi Ming, a Chinese national working at Panda Supermarket in Jabi, was reportedly abducted by unknown individuals.
Intelligence sources told Zagazola Makama that Mr Yangi Ming left his residence at Stargate Apartment in Durumi around 1700hrs and was last seen wearing brown shorts and a black polo shirt.
His sister, Aisha Pan, residing in Sharanda, Kano State, later received a ransom demand of ₦300 million, made from Yangi Ming’s mobile phone number.
Chinese National Abducted in Durumi Abuja, as Kidnappers demand N300million ransom
Naval rating, civilian arrested for assaulting Police officers in ogun
NDLEA officer arrested for attempted armed robbery, shooting bolt driver in Abuja
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