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Finland court, Nigeria scared of Biafra independence – BRGIE vows to appeal Simon Ekpa’s prison sentence

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…Says Ekpa is on global stage

The Biafra Republic Government in Exile has said the Finland Court and Nigeria are scared of Biafra, the reason for its Prime Minister Simon Ekpa’s six-year jail sentence.

This comes as BRGIE vowed to appeal the sentence on Ekpa.

The Acting Prime of BRGIE, Hon. Ogechukwu Nkere, disclosed this in an official statement on Thursday.

This comes after the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, a court on Monday, September 1, 2025, handed Ekpa a six-year imprisonment jail term for terrorism-related offences.

The sentence had attracted reactions from the Nigerian government and Nigerians in the last 48 hours.

However, BRGIE under Nkere has described the Finland Court judgement as a ‘biased conclusion of judicial authority controlled by pressure from above’.

It stated that judgement is devoid of clarity between legitimate political activism, global free speech and terrorism.

According to BRGIE, Ekpa was convicted by the Finnish court ‘primarily for his social media activities advocating for Biafran independence over decades of marginalisation post-Nigeria’s civil war.

BRGIE faulted the Finland court position that Ekpa’s online posts were ‘public incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes’.

According to BRGIE, it disagreed with the Finnish court’s assertions that Ekpa “equipped groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition” through his networks, noting that such a stance lacks circumstantial evidence and the rhetoric is influenced by pressure from the Nigerian government.

BRGIE said that it would mount pressure in Washington DC, United States of America, over Biafra Independence.

According to BRGIE, the court verdicts will be appealed, and it is assured that Ekpa will be freed.

BRGIE added that Biafrans should be happy because Ekpa’s sentence in Finland has placed the PM and Biafra independence on the world stage.

BRGIE PM Simon Ekpa
BRGIE PM Simon Ekpa

“Now that Europe understands clearly our case, we shall mount more pressures in Washington, DC. We will appeal this court verdict, & our prime minister will join us later, convicting the Biafra independence icon. Simon Ekpa Njoku is guilty of committing terrorism offences because of standing up for the voices of over 80 million Biafrans yearning for Biafra’s independence restoration is a shame to Finland’s integrity.

“BRGIE being the legal entity for biafra independence wishes to tell biafrans globally that we have  recorded another victory in european region, if you fight for independence and the country you are fighting against don’t gang up against you or get scared of you then it means you have not started yet, Nigeria got scared of biafra independence to the point that they have called on all international communities to stop biafrans abroad from hosting media discussions about biafra independence, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu a biafra leader was kidnapped in kenya by Nigeria government because of the fear of Nigeria against Biafra independence, amnesty international recorded that nigeria army killed over 150 peaceful IPOB members in 2016 and over 1000 killed between 2023-2025 all these reports are available in the media.

“At this point the Biafra independence declaration call has been heard in the European court; they are now aware of what Biafra means. Every Biafran should be happy that we have come this far. Reaching out to the international European Commission through the imprisonment of our BRGIE leader Ekpa Simon Njoku, Biafrans will increase momentum in making sure that our sovereignty is regained after this great victory in Finland with Nigeria working together. BRGIE PM” Simon Ekpa is just our voice and eye to the world, while Biafrans back home will restore Biafra fully – we are ready. Now that Europe understands clearly our case, we shall mount more pressures in Washington DC. BRGIE will appeal this court verdict, & our prime minister will join us late.

“The Päijät-Häme district court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a former Lahti councillor, to six years in prison after convicting him of terrorism-related crimes, aggravated tax fraud, and breaching Finland’s Lawyers Act.

“The ruling, delivered on Monday 1 September, according to the court, adjudicated that Ekpa played a central role in promoting separatist violence in Nigeria’s Biafra region between August 2021 and November 2024. Judges concluded that he used his large following on social media to incite crimes with terrorist intent and to strengthen a movement seeking independence for Biafra.

“Brgie wishes to inform everyone that the verdict against Brgie PM Simon Ekpa represents a biassed conclusion of judicial authority controlled by pressure from above, lacking clarity between legitimate political activism and terrorism in a way that could cool free speech globally.

“You convicted Simon Ekpa primarily for his social media activities advocating for Biafran independence—a cause rooted in historical grievances from Nigeria’s civil war era of 1967-1970s—labelling his online posts and organisational efforts as ‘public incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes.’ This sets a dangerous precedent, equating separatist rhetoric with direct involvement in violence.

“Where in this 21st century has a call for Biafran independence sovereignty become a terrorist act? Finland court assertions that Ekpa ‘equipped groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition’ through his networks lack circumstantial evidence. This rhetoric is influenced by pressure from the Nigerian government, which has long sought to silence Biafran voices using the Nigerian court, police, navy, army, air force, civil defence, Ebubeagu, Fulani Islamic jihadist terrorist groups, Udokachi, Akunechemba, recruited Fulani vigilantes, senators, governors & community chiefs.

“Recall that the Nigerian All Progressives Congress, a Peoples Democratic Party terrorist organisation, had kidnapped the Biafra leader Mazi Nnamdi Kanu from Kenya in June 2021 & till date held him incommunicado in Nigeria against all odds.

“There is no evidence of Ekpa ordering weapons during this trial; this alone exposes the reliability of the prosecution of our BRS PM Simon Ekpa. Charges of aggravated tax fraud and violating the lawyers act seemed tagged on him to accelerate the sentence to the happiness of the Nigerian government. Owing to the economic ties of Finland, it serves to drive attention from the main issue of why Simon Ekpa was taken to court, which was Biafra: whether advocating for self-determination and Biafra independence aggressively constitutes terrorism.

“Finland now prioritises their international relations with Nigeria, undermining the very democratic principles Finland claims to uphold.”

GITEX: NITDA, Kaspersky announce strategic MoU to boost Nigeria’s digital defences

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The National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with global cybersecurity leader Kaspersky.

The agreement, signed as a sideline activity of the GTIEX Nigeria in Lagos, marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey and its commitment to securing critical infrastructure through capacity building and collaboration.

It is also in alignment with the NITDA’s Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP 2.0) pillar five, which is to ‘Strengthen Cybersecurity and Enhance Digital Trust’, and a key pillar of the Renewed Hope Agenda of strengthening National Security for Peace and Prosperity.

 

The NITDA Director General, Kashifu Inuwa, CCIE, who signed the MoU on behalf of NITDA, emphasised that the foundation of cybersecurity lies in human capacity. “More than 95% of cyber breaches are caused by human error. “Our first line of defence must be the people. We need to build talent, raise awareness, and ensure fluency in how technology is used. This MoU is not just a formality; it is a springboard for action,” Inuwa stated.

He further stressed that while MOUs often generate media attention, the real value lies in implementation. “We have already started working with Kaspersky even before this signing. For us, it is about impact, not just paperwork. We want the media and the public to hold us accountable for delivering on this partnership.”

He said, “The cybersecurity aspects that should be considered for having a secure IT environment in the country range from the safe use of smartphones by children and older people to shielding the facilities of critical infrastructure. Our collaboration with Kaspersky, which has deep expertise in all these areas, will be another step in building multi-layered national security.”

 

In his opening statement, the General Manager of Kaspersky Africa, Chris Norton, expressed strong enthusiasm for the partnership and Nigeria’s digital potential. He said, “We are doubling down on the Nigerian market. Africa doesn’t need charity; it needs skills. Through public-private partnerships like this, we can accelerate value creation for communities and governments.”

He added that Kaspersky is committed to supporting Nigeria’s cybersecurity ecosystem and will also become a supporting member of the Nigerian Computer Society.

“This is the first step in a direction that I believe will lead to far bigger things for the Nigerian people and government. We are excited to work together to build a safer digital future.”

The scope of the MoU includes cybersecurity training and capacity building.

public awareness campaigns, information sharing and protection of critical national infrastructure.

According to the MoU, both NITDA and Kaspersky would be exchanging relevant technical information, threat intelligence and data feeds related to cyberthreats and cyberattacks affecting the citizens, businesses and government in Nigeria. Kaspersky will provide advice for NITDA’s consideration in the building of cybersecurity frameworks and standards for the critical information infrastructures of Nigeria.

 

The signing ceremony concluded with a shared commitment to begin implementation immediately, focusing on proactive measures to counter emerging cyber threats and build a resilient digital infrastructure.

This partnership builds on an earlier engagement at GITEX Africa in Marrakech, Morocco, where the initial groundwork for collaboration was laid. It also follows similar agreements Kaspersky has signed with other Nigerian institutions, including SMEDAN.

Champions League: Maresca leaves key players out of Chelsea’s squad [Full list]

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Chelsea head coach, Enzo Maresca, has left out some notable names from his Champions League squad for the league phase this season.

They include the Blues’ top earner Raheem Sterling and deadline day signing Facundo Buonanotte.

Over the course of this summer, Willian Estevao and Alejandro Garnacho arrived, as Chelsea spent around £300m.

Teams are required to provide an A List for the competition, and are allowed to update their squads in the new year to bring in January signings.

Teams can submit names of 25 players in their squad if it includes four club-trained players.

Chelsea have included three: Reece James, Trevoh Chalobah and Levi Colwill.

Maresca’s men will begin their Champions League campaign away to Bayern Munich, with Barcelona and Napoli among their other league phase opponents.

Chelsea’s Champions League squad in full:

Player List A:-

Goalkeepers:

Robert Sanchez

Filip Jorgensen

Defenders:

Tosin Adarabioyo

Benoit Badiashile

Trevoh Chalobah

Levi Colwill

Marc Cucurella

Wesley Fofana

Malo Gusto

Jorell Hato

Reece James

Midfielders:

Moises Caicedo

Dario Essugo

Enzo Fernandez

Andrey Santos

Forwards:

Liam Delap

Alejandro Garnacho

Jamie Gittens

Marc Guiu

Pedro Neto

Cole Palmer

Joao Pedro

Estevao Willian

Summary of top headlines from Nigerian Newspapers today, Wednesday September 4

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Good morning! Here are six top headlines from Nigerian Newspapers today;

1. Nine persons were yesterday arraigned by the Department of State Services before a Federal High Court in Abuja over their alleged complicity in recent killings in Benue and Plateau states. The nine, named as defendants in six separate charges, took turn to enter their pleas to the allegations raised against them.

2. A couple died in an auto crash in Abuja on Wednesday when they were chased by roadside touts, popularly known as agbero. It was learnt that one of the touts also died in the incident. The crash happened on the Nnamdi Azikwe Expressway between Mabushi and Bannex, an area known for the activities of roadside touts.

3. Hon Abdulmumin Jibrin, a member of the New Nigerian Peoples Party in the House of Representatives, has said Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, National Leader of the opposition party, is open to joining the ruling All Progressives Congress. Jibrin, who has met President Bola Tinubu twice within few weeks, said this on Politics Today, a Channels Television programme.

4. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has blamed opposition parties for drawing the ruling All Progressives Congress into early political activities ahead of the 2027 general elections, but insisted that he will not be distracted from providing good leadership for Nigerians. Tinubu said this when he met with governors from the North East region led by Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Wednesday.

5. 29 people have been confirmed dead in a boat mishap at Malale riverfront in Borgu LGA of Niger State. It was gathered that the boat with 90 passengers on board took off from Tugan Sule in Shagunu ward of Borgu LGA and en route Dugga for a condolence visit.

6. Over 300 persons have been displaced, and 30 houses destroyed, following a series of gunmen attacks in communities across Qua’an Pan LGA of Plateau State. Confirming the latest attacks, the spokesman of the Qua’an Pan LG Council, Danaan Cletus Sylvanus, said the chairman, Christopher Manship.

UEFA changed rules because of me – Chelsea defender Cucurella

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Spain international, Marc Cucurella, has claimed that UEFA changed the rules because of a controversial handball he was involved in during a Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Germany.

The Chelsea defender, however, insisted that it was deliberate.

The ball struck Cucurella’s arm inside the box, but the referee didn’t award a penalty.

Spain won the match 2-1, thanks to Arsenal midfielder Mikel Merino’s stoppage-time header.

The decision called into question the subjectivity of handball calls under the laws at the time.

“Yes, that handball has been talked about all over the world,” Cucurella told AS.

“In fact, UEFA recently came to give us a talk and used my handball against Germany as an example.

“And they told me it was because of me that they had to change the rules.”

 

FG declares Friday public holiday

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The Federal Government has declared Friday, September 5, 2025, a public holiday to mark Eid-ul-Mawlid – the birth of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).

A statement by the Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Dr Magdalene Ajani on behalf of the Minister, congratulates Muslims in Nigeria and beyond, urging reflection on the Prophet’s virtues of peace, love, humility, tolerance, and compassion.

The statement also calls on Nigerians of all faiths to use the occasion to pray for peace, security, and stability in the country, while supporting government’s drive for unity and development.

The Minister of Interior wishes Muslims a joyous and peaceful Eid-ul-Mawlid celebration.

Read more interesting reports here 

Transfer: Kelechi Iheanacho joins new club after Sevilla terminated his contract

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Super Eagles attacker, Kelechi Iheanacho, has signed for Celtic football club as a free agent.

The Scottish champions were among three clubs fighting to secure the 28-year-old’s signature.

Iheanacho saw his Sevilla contract terminated by mutual consent on transfer deadline day.

He has now put pen to paper on a one-year contract with Celtic.

Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers, believes Iheanacho who he worked with at Leicester City, “will make a big contribution”.

The Nigerian replaces Adam Idah, who joined Swansea City for an undisclosed fee.

Iheanacho moved to Sevilla last summer before spending the end of season on loan with English Championship side Middlesbrough.

Tinubu presidency brags as naira gains against US dollar

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s presidency bragged over the Naira, which continued its bullish run against the dollar at the foreign exchange market on Tuesday.

The Central Bank of Nigeria foreign exchange data showed that the naira strengthened further to N1,526.06 on Tuesday, up slightly from N1,526.09 the previous day.

This means that the naira gained marginally by 0.03 on a day-to-day basis.

Meanwhile, at the black market, it remained at N1533 per dollar, the same rate traded on Monday, a Bureau De Operator in Wuse Zone 6, Abubakar Alhasan confirmed.

The development comes as a presidential spokesperson, Bayo Onanuga, in response to criticism from the opposition coalition, the African Democratic Congress, said the United States dollar is no longer a king to the Naira.

The apex bank’s latest external reserves data showed that the country’s have continued to rise and stood at $41.42 billion as of September 1, 2025, up from $41.22 billion on August 29, 2025.

Summary of top headlines from Nigerian Newspapers today, Wednesday September 3

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Good morning! Here are six top headlines from Nigerian Newspapers today;

1. The Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP Governors’ Forum, and governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, says the party has had enough of those causing problems. Reacting to the new set of conditions listed by a group loyal to Nyesom Wike, Minister of Federal Capital Territory, for the PDP convention to hold peacefully, Mohammed said leaders of the PDP are not cowards.

2. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP has vowed to go ahead with its elective National Convention scheduled for November 15th and 16th in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. Speaking at the inauguration of the National Convention Committee at the party headquarters in Abuja, on Tuesday, Ambassador Iliya Damagum, the National Chairman, said those against the convention were detractors, who will not succeed.

3. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has said he did not make any mistake with the choice of Vice-President Kashim Shettima as his deputy. There have been reports that the president is plotting not to run on another joint ticket with Shettima. But in a personally signed statement on Tuesday, Tinubu hailed Shettima and extolled his leadership qualities.

4. Troops of the Nigerian Army have killed scores of terrorists and arrested 15 others in a series of coordinated operations across the country. A military source told The Nation late Monday night that troops also rescued 15 kidnap victims during onslaughts conducted from August 29 to 31.

5. FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike has granted a 30-day grace period for land use violators in the territory to revert to their original land uses while also paying a N5 million penalty.
The penalty is alongside a 7.5% charge on the Assessed Capital Value of illegally converted properties.

6. Hundreds of men, women, and children in Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State on Tuesday staged a mass protest, blocking the Sokoto–Lagos highway, over the worsening bandit attacks in the state. They said that criminal gangs were now in control of many local government areas of the state, leaving residents devastated, displaced, and increasingly hopeless.

Nestle announces new CEO after Laurent Freixe’s dismissal over office romance

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Swiss food marker, Nestlé has announced Philipp Navratil as Chief Executive Officer after the shameful dismissal of Laurent Freixe, who was involved in an office romance.

The company disclosed this in a recent statement.

DAILY POST reports that Laurent Freixe became a subject of global discourse after an investigation by Nestlé’s board led by its chairman, Paul Bulcke.

Paul said Freixe’s sack is necessary in line with the firm’s value.

“This was a necessary decision,” he stated.

Meanwhile, Freixe is yet to comment on his dismissal as of filing this report.