Finnish prosecutors handling the case of pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, are seeking a six-year prison sentence for him if found guilty.

Ekpa is standing trial on terrorism charges.

He appeared in the Päijät-Häme District Court on Friday for a preparatory hearing on terrorism-related charges, according to a Finnish local news medium, Yle.

The prosecutor reportedly cited substantial evidence of Ekpa’s digital communications and activities.

“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.

The prosecution also acknowledged the challenges in gathering reliable information, noting that much of the suspected criminal activity occurred in Africa.

In addition to terrorism-related accusations, the court is reviewing allegations of aggravated tax fraud and suspicions that Ekpa may have ordered weapons for pro-Biafra groups.

Ekpa, through his legal representative, Kaarle Gummerus, denied the charges.

Gummerus expressed concern over the credibility of information obtained from Nigerian sources.

According to Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

The case has been jointly investigated by Finnish police and Nigerian authorities.

The Finnish government in November 2024 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, allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities.

Saheed Akeredolu, relative of the owner of the collapsed building at Ota-Ona Ikorodu, tells how he lost two children and an uncle during the incident

How old are you, and what is your occupation?

I’m 49 years old. I work as a bus driver for a private school.

How did your building collapse? 

It was a normal day; all my three children and their mum were home. It was my son and my youngest daughter who were inside the new building. There is a small space inside the compound, and that is where we stayed to get the main building completed.So, I called my son to help me with some things, and he promised to come soon. I eventually fell asleep inside that small building. Later, he came and saw that I was already asleep, quietly took his phone, and called his younger sister so they could spend some time together in the unfinished building. Their mum, sister, and I were in the small building.

When the building collapsed it was the sound that woke the three of us up; we were in the old building. When we realised what had happened, we started looking for them. That was it.

What were the children doing in the building? 

They had gone there to pray. Yes, they were praying at about 1 p.m. on that fateful day. It was while they were praying that the building collapsed. They went to pray in the uncompleted building because of how things are in the community. They usually preferred to go and pray at the mosque, but there is a curfew in our area. My son didn’t want to leave his younger sister behind. So, they all stayed there to pray together.

You talked about curfew; did you mean there was a traditional curfew in your area?

Yes. In our area, we call it Igemo; it is a traditional curfew where women are not allowed to go out. Women are expected to stay indoors.

How old were they?

My youngest daughter, Amira, was 13 and her elder brother was 18.

How many children do you have?

I had three. But now, I’m left with just one; she is 16 years old now.

Why were those two not rescued while all the other workers survived?

From what I’ve learnt, all the workers there survived the accident—about seven of them—because they were mostly on the top floor. The top floor, which is actually the second floor, was where the workers were stationed.

What about your children?

They were on the middle floor, the first floor. That’s where they were trapped, along with my elder brother. My elder brother was there too. My uncle, who also went there to pray, was the one supervising the building.

How old was he?

He was an elderly man; he was 78 years old.

What do you think caused the collapse?

From the beginning, we used solid, high-quality materials. To be clear, every material we used was certified as standard.

Did the government inspect and approve the building?

Yes, both the state and local governments inspected the building at various stages. We have official certificates to prove that. The government gave approvals at every stage before construction moved forward.

If you are asked to provide every document, can the government still access them?

Yes. If the government asks for every single document, we can provide them. Everything is available. They were involved throughout the process.

But what would you say caused your building to suddenly cave in?

I’ll keep saying this: only God knows what happened. Honestly. Even people who used to pass by or live around us often said, ‘Is it the government that owns this house?’ The structure looked very solid. We didn’t use substandard materials.

For example, some people said we used too many iron rods. Others might have reduced the quantity to save cost, but we didn’t. My wife and I were involved in everything right from the start—from when we first secured the land.

At what stage was the work before the building collapsed?

Just before it happened, they were doing the final touches. Two days ago, they finished the external plastering. After that, they started working inside—internal plastering. They began from the last floor to the top and were working their way to the upper floors. They hadn’t even finished before the incident happened.

How would you describe your children?

My son, Abdulmalik, was my firstborn. I worked closely with him. There are many reasons why I’m proud of them. For example, he did very well in his UTME. He scored 320. It was a big achievement. He was an electrician by training and planned to study Electrical Electronics at university, but it’s sad he is dead.

Which university did he get admitted to?

He was accepted into his first choice last year, which is the University of Lagos. The university accepted him because of his performance. Lagos State University was his second choice, and both schools sent congratulatory messages to him.

What about your uncle?

He was about 78 years old; he was my mother’s younger brother. He lived in Egbeda but came here to supervise the building project. He came to support us and helped with the construction.

How about his wife and children?

They are not in Nigeria; they live abroad.

Is there any message you have for the Lagos State Government on your collapsed building?

Well, since the government approved the building, I am really hoping for their support now. Nothing is left with me, nothing at all, except for my wife and my other daughter. That’s all I have now.

How did you fund the building that collapsed?

My mother owned the land. The building was on her land, and her grave is on the land as well. They were six in their family, and it’s the last born who is abroad that has been sending the money we are using to build the house.

The Indian authorities have arrested seven Nigerian nationals for allegedly defrauding more than 350 people via online romance scams.

Security operatives in Mohali apprehended them on Saturday in Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, in northern India, following a tip-off.

The Times of India said the suspects defrauded 350 people of Rs 15 crore (N2.79bn) from different states of the Asian country.

Seventy-nine smartphones, two laptops, two MacBooks, 99 Indian and foreign SIM cards, and 31 fake bank accounts were retrieved from them.

Senior Superintendent of Police in Mohali, Harmandeep Hans, said the accused used to create fake profiles on social media, describing themselves as pilots and engineers to defraud unsuspecting people.

Hans said, “They befriended hundreds of men and women this way, gained their trust, and lured them by sending expensive gifts and even dollars.

“Later, they would ask for money in the name of customs or taxes. If no one fell into their trap, they would resort to blackmailing married people, whom they would mostly target, by threatening to leak their obscene private chats with them or photos shared with them.”

In another development, two Nigerians, Victor Onuwalla and Invebuva Chimaobi, were arrested for drug trafficking.

Onuwalla and Chimaobi were apprehended in Maharashtra’s Palghar district for possession of cocaine, mephedrone, and other items valued at Rs 11.58 crore, approximately N2.14bn.

An Indian online newspaper, Devdiscourse, reported on Thursday that the two Nigerians were arrested following a raid by security operatives on Evershine city.

A crime investigator, Samir Ahirrao, said the raid was conducted on Monday, adding that the case would be treated under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

He said, “According to authorities, the Valiv police are continuing their investigations to gather additional details about the wider drug-peddling network that the arrested individuals may be associated with.”

As Nigeria marked “Democracy Day” on May 29, 2025, President Bola Tinubu issued a lengthy statement highlighting his administration’s efforts and vision for the nation. However, Saturday Beats sought the views of prominent entertainers to gauge how citizens, especially within the creative community, perceive the current state of governance and democracy in the country.

Veteran actor, Adebayo Salami, popularly known as Oga Bello, acknowledged the government’s efforts but emphasised the need for collective responsibility from citizens.

He said, “I would say the government is trying its best. And if they are trying, then we as citizens must also do our part. We need to join hands and support them so we can achieve a common goal. Progress requires cooperation between the government and the people. We cannot leave the building of our nation solely in the hands of those in power. They have their obligations, and we have ours. Let’s come together to move Nigeria forward.”

In contrast, actor, Bob-Manuel Udokwu, expressed deep concern over what he described as the erosion of democratic ideals and growing public disillusionment.

“In Nigeria today, democracy is no longer what it should be. We’ve moved far away from what people expect, and there’s widespread apathy. Elections feel more like selections. Across the country, there’s a general sense of hopelessness. Promises have not been kept, and many Nigerians feel let down.

“There’s no visible sign that things are getting better. Basic necessities, such as food and daily survival, are major struggles. It’s not just one group; everyone is affected,” he said.

He also criticised the perceived lack of freedom to speak out, saying, “When you speak the truth, you’re seen as a threat. Instead of your suggestions being welcomed, you’re branded an enemy of the state. It is a dangerous precedent that has become even more pronounced.” 

On her part, veteran actress, Hilda Dokubo, shared her thoughts on Instagram. Reflecting on the day’s significance, she wrote, “Democracy Day should be a celebration for all of us, but in reality, it feels like it’s only for those in public office. The rest of us are left to evaluate issues like insecurity, poverty, injustice, and unfulfilled promises. Still, I haven’t given up on our greatness as a people. One day, Nigerians will realise that the power of the people is greater than the people in power. And when that day comes, we will use that power for the good of all.”

Also weighing in, actress, Bose Alao, stated that there was a disconnect between the promises of government and the reality faced by ordinary Nigerians.

“Like many others, I remember the promises, including economic growth, job creation, security, better infrastructure, and anti-corruption. While we’ve seen some infrastructural projects and focus on the digital economy, the cost of living, insecurity, and unemployment still weigh heavily on the average citizen.

“Our leaders must go beyond policies on paper and ensure they deliver real impact. To be truly democratic, we need strong, independent institutions and justice that works for everyone—not just the privileged few.”

Echoing the need for reform, actor Kunle Afod added simply, “Let the government ensure that our justice system is fair and transparent—and most importantly, let our votes truly count.”

The Osun State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Sunday Bisi, has declared that the defection of members of the party to the All Progressives Congress will not stop Governor Ademola Adeleke from winning his re-election in 2026.

Bisi described the defections as “a storm in a teacup”, stating that almost every sector of society was in support of Adeleke’s second-term bid.

The chairman’s statement came amid reports that the movement of some PDP members to the APC could jeopardise Adeleke’s chances in 2026.

Over the past month, several members of the PDP, including a current member of the House of Representatives representing Oriade/Obokun Federal Constituency, Wole Oke, have defected to the APC. 

A former chieftain of the party, Felix Ogunwale, who represented Osun Central in the Senate between 2003 and 2007, along with some of Oke’s followers, also dumped the PDP.

Amid the defections, the three PDP senators in the National Assembly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term.

These developments have generated concerns among PDP members, while the APC has continued to mock the party. 

However, speaking with our correspondent on Wednesday, the PDP chairman said Adeleke enjoyed the support of the majority of the people of the state, expressing confidence that they would vote massively for the governor in 2026.

“The defections are not a serious matter; they are a storm in a teacup. If you talk about defection, you can reference the movement of the Delta State governor and the entire PDP structure in that state to the APC.”

I acknowledge that as a real defection. The defections in Osun cannot affect us in any way,” he said.

“Adeleke is doing well in terms of infrastructure and social programmes for the people of the state. He has been delivering good governance, and people will appreciate him for that by re-electing him in 2026.”

The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission has said it will probe the tragic and controversial death of Kelechi, a 39-year-old Nigerian man from Awka North, Anambra State, who reportedly died after a violent encounter with Swiss police in Lausanne, Switzerland.

A viral video circulating on X (Twitter) shows the moment Kelechi was pinned to the ground by a Swiss police officer, crying out in pain and shouting, “You’re hurting me.”

The video has sparked outrage among Nigerians on social media.

An X user, @ChuksEricE, who shared the footage, alleged that Kelechi died after the incident.

Another user, Somto Okonkwo, described Kelechi as a “hardworking Igbo man” and claimed he was “crying out for help while the officer pressed down on his neck.”

He added that the deceased left behind three young children in Nigeria.

Kelechi reportedly collapsed and died at the police station less than an hour after being taken into custody.

Swiss authorities, in a statement reported by AFP, claimed the incident occurred during a routine police check related to suspected drug activity.

According to them, Kelechi fled the scene but was later apprehended.

They further stated that he became unwell during questioning and died despite emergency resuscitation efforts.

The Public Prosecutor’s Office in the Vaud region of Switzerland has since launched a criminal investigation into the incident.

An autopsy and other forensic examinations are currently underway, with crime scene investigators and medical experts involved in the probe.

Meanwhile, in an interview with Saturday PUNCH, NIDCOM’s Director of Media, Public Relations, and Protocols, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, described the incident as very sad and unfortunate.

“This is not something we are going to condone. Irrespective of whatever the person may have done, he should have been given fair treatment,” he said.

“If we are able to gather all the necessary information surrounding his death, we will issue an official statement. Also, if the family can reach out to us or send a formal petition, we will be in a better position to know what happened.”

The commission assured the public that it is actively working to get to the bottom of the matter.

Simon Ekpa, the Nigerian separatist leader, has appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Friday, May 30, as the Finnish government began his trial on terrorism charges.

Recall that in November 2024, the Finnish government arrested Ekpa on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

He was accused of using social media to incite violence and causing unrest in the South-east region in Nigeria, as part of his secessionist agitation for Biafra.

According to the prosecutors who are demanding a six-year prison sentence for Ekpa, his activities may constitute terrorism under Finnish law.

“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.

During interrogations, Ekpa denied ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups and other allegations against him.  

The dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen is known for his affiliation with a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group agitating for the independence of Nigeria’s southeast, a region that experienced a devastating civil war between 1967 and 1970. 

Ekpa has also served as a local representative of Finland’s conservative National Coalition Party in Lahti, where he held a position on the city’s public transport committee.

Stanley Nwabali, the Super Eagles goalkeeper has announced the burial arrangements for his late parents, Chief Nwabali Godspower Onyekamu and Mrs. Grace Nwabali (née Mmai), describing the period as one of profound and unimaginable grief.

In a message shared alongside the burial poster on his Instagram on Friday, Nwabali expressed the depth of his pain.

“About time to put my dad and mom to rest. Something I never imagined doing so soon at this point of my life. Difficult to believe I will never set my eyes on you again.

“It’s a different kind of pain I never wish for my enemy. Thank you for everything,” he wrote.

The leader of Arewa Summit International, Dr. Bashir Lamido, has called for the South West to produce all presidential candidates for the 2027 elections, while advocating that the South East should take the same opportunity in 2031.

Speaking during a high-level political dialogue on zoning and national cohesion held in Abuja on Friday, Dr. Lamido emphasised that this rotational approach would promote unity, fairness, and long-term political stability across Nigeria.

“For the sake of equity, national integration, and the stability of our democracy, we believe the South West should present all presidential candidates in 2027. Then, come 2031, the South East – which has long awaited its turn – should be given the full platform to produce the next president,” Lamido stated.

Arewa Summit International, under Dr. Lamido’s leadership, has become a leading northern-based political think tank known for its pan-Nigerian vision and commitment to bridging regional divides.

He further stressed that the proposal is not about excluding any group, but rather about setting a national precedent for justice and inclusion.

“This is not just about politics. It’s about healing, trust-building, and showing every Nigerian that they belong to the same nation. People may ask, what about the north? It should be the turn of the north in 2031. They forget that the North has spent more years leading the country than any other region.

“It is just right to balance the leadership across the regions. We are only hoping that in 2031, the South East should be extended same national compliments as we are hopeful to do for South West in 2027,” he said.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has once again hinted at his defection from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), subtly signaling a shift towards the All Progressives Congress (APC) without explicitly naming his new political destination. 

During a state banquet in Uyo on Thursday night, held to mark his second year in office, Governor Eno reiterated his fondness for the PDP but strongly suggested that it was time to “progressively move” on. 

“I respect our party, the PDP. I love the PDP. But we all know the way things are,” Eno said to the gathering. “So, whatever happens, wherever the journey of life takes me, I will always love you. We’ve built strong friendships, and we will always keep them.”

Since the start of his campaign to rally support for his political transition, the governor has carefully avoided explicitly confirming the APC as his next political home, despite openly aligning with President Bola Tinubu and Senate President Godswill Akpabio ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Governor Eno continued, “If you have anything to do, invite me—I will come. I will always be there. But it’s time to progressively move. That again will not affect anything in this state. We do not govern based on political affiliations.”

Calling for unity among the political class, he added, “I would love to see all our party leaders seated together like this, across party lines. We must always put Akwa Ibom first. We know we have Akwa Ibomites in the PDP, APC, YPP, and IPAC.

“What matters most is that there is food, security, and welfare for our people. The ARISE Agenda provides for all these.”

Governor Eno concluded with a message of unity: “Whenever anyone flies into Akwa Ibom, please drop your party tag and know you are flying into a united Akwa Ibom.”