Senatorial Candidate’s Murder: INEC Suspends Enugu East Election; To Hold 11th March

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February 24, 2023

By Adesina Soyooye

Following the gruesome murder of Barrister Oyibo Chukwu, Labour Party’s Senatorial Candidate for Enugu East, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, has suspended the District’s Election billed for Saturday, February 25, 2023.

The National Assembly and Presidential Elections are billed to hold nationwide on Saturday, but Chukwu was gunned down on Wednesday, February 22, 2023.

He was on his way back home after the day’s campaign, but on getting to Amechi Awkunanaw, he was gunned down, along with five of his supporters while they were still inside the sienna vehicle they were riding in. Thereafter, they and the car were set ablaze.

Based on the tragic incident, INEC has postponed the Enugu East senatorial election.

Prof Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman, disclosed the postponement at a Media briefing he held at the National Collation Centre in Abuja on Friday.

According to Yakubu the Labour Party has informed INEC of its intention to provide a replacement for the poll at a later date.

The request by LP, is in line with the provision of the law – Section 34, Sub-Section 1 of the Electoral Act 2022.

He said: “The Labour Party has provided satisfactory evidence of the death of its candidate. Consequently, the commission has suspended the election in the Senatorial district as provided by law.

“We have already communicated this decision to our Enugu State office. Therefore, there will be no Senatorial election in Enugu East Senatorial District made up of six Local Government Areas, 77 wards and 1,630 polling units tomorrow, February 25, 2023

“The election will now be combined with the Governorship and State Assemblies ’ elections holding in the next two weeks, on 11th of March 2023.”

He, also, said that the materials for the election in Enugu East will remain in the custody of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) till 11th March, 2023, the new date for the election.

Abia APC Hits Orji Kalu, Suspends Him; Calls Him Drowning Political Desperado

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Adesina Soyooye

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February 24, 2023

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By Adesina Soyooye

24 hours to participating in the Senatorial Election, Orji Kalu, Senate Chief Whip, has been suspended by his Party, the All Progressives Congress, APC.

Kalu, still trying to save his head from his position on Wednesday that the Igbo are not ready yet to occupy the office of Nigeria’s President, was suspended by the Abia State Chapter of the Party for alleged anti-party activities and other sundry issues.

In a letter dated February 21, 2023, the Party said the former two-time Governor of the State was suspended for “acts of disobedience and gross anti-party activities.” The suspension, according to the letter, takes immediate effect.

Signed by the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee, Paul Nwabuisi, State Secretary, Chidi Avajah, and State Chairman, Kingsley Ononogbu, the letter said Kalu “has remained unrepentant and without remorse despite several warnings.”

The Party explained that Kalu was suspended after “thorough investigations and recommendations of the Disciplinary Committee set up by the Igbere Ward A in Bende Local Government of Abia State.”

The suspension, the APC said, “is in consonance with Article 21B(i-v) of the APC Constitution, which he violated.”

One of the accusations against Kalu is that he is working against the APC Governorship Candidate, Ikechi Emenike.

Kalu is said to be working for the Action Peoples Party (APP). His younger brother, Mascot Kalu, is the Governorship Candidate of the APP. Kalu is not denying this accusation.

In an interview on Tuesday, Kalu confirmed his support for his younger brother, Mascot, and emphasized his fitness to govern the State.

He insisted that the APC Governorship candidate never informed him formally og his Governorship ambition. He also said that Emenike has, for years, been abusing him and bearing grudges against him, therefore, his reluctance to work for the APC Candidate.

But dismissing Kalu’s claims, the Abia APC, described him as “a drowning political desperado, working hard to destroy the party for his selfish interests.”

Cross River Council Boss Dies Hours After Political Engagements

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The Source

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February 24, 2023

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By Stanley Ekpenyong (South south Bureau Chief)

Cross River has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Calabar South Local Government Area Chairperson, Mrs Esther Bassey.

She died in the wee hours of Friday, February 24, 2023.

However, there are conflicting accounts as to how she died. While one account claimed she died in her sleep at about 4am Friday morning hours after returning from series of political engagements about tomorrow’s Presidential and National Assembly elections, another has it that she attended an event Thursday at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar where she slumped after complaining of stomach ache and was rushed to a hospital where she later gave up the ghost.

Described as dedicated and passionate administrator and politician, the late council boss, fondly called Queen of the South by her admirers, was one of the young persons in the state Governor Ben Ayade propped into political and leadership positions.

Her election in June 2020 as Calabar South council boss excited not a few young people, especially women who hailed Ayade as gender and youth friendly governor.

Meanwhile, the governor has bemoaned Mrs Bassey’s death, saying he was shocked and devastated by the development.

In a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Barrister Christian Ita, the governor bemoaned Mrs Bassey’s death saying her demise was shocking.

“It was with a rude shock and disbelief that I received news of Mrs Bassey’s sudden demise. Her death is a tragic and monumental loss to Cross River State. It is a painful loss.

“As a government, we are hurt by Mrs Bassey’s passing because she was not only a strong partner in building the Cross River State of our dream but an astute administrator who was also a Servant-Leader, who led from the front. Her giant strides as Calabar South local government chairperson bear testament to this,”the statement quoted the governor as saying.

Continuing, Ayade further noted that , “Esther was indeed the ‘Queen of the South’ as her admirers fondly called her. Her genial mien, her openness, her friendliness, her forthrightness and her integrity were the unassailable virtues that endeared her to all.

The governor lamented that “her death has robbed our great party, the All Progressive Congress, APC of a pillar, our government a loyal, dependable ally and Cross River state a hardworking and diligent daughter. Indeed, our dear sister was a rare gem.”

According to Ayade, though the state is saddened by Mrs Bassey’s death, “as a people of faith, we cannot question God. We can only pray for the peaceful repose of her soul.

“On behalf of the people and government of Cross River state, I condole with the Bassey family, her immediate community and the people of Calabar South”

While assuring the family that his prayer and thoughts are with them at this trying moment, the governor prayed God to “grant all us the fortitude to bear this irreparable loss.”

Kogi Varsity Sacks Seven Workers For Salary Scam

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Ayodele Oni

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February 24, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara, Kogi State, has sacked seven staff members, linked with salary fraud.

They were found guilty of collecting double salaries.

Public Relations Officer, of the institution, David Balogun in a statement, on Friday revealed that the management had to take the action after an audit exposed them.

The audit, which was carried out by the office of the Kogi State Auditor General, showed that the staff members were conveniently receiving salaries from two state government establishments.

The statement explained that “the names of the staff members affected are Mr. Shaibu Musa of the security unit, CUSTECH, who was discovered to have been collecting salary from his former workplace at the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources since his assumption of duty at CUSTECH on 7th April, 2021.

“Mr. Abubakar Ali of the works and maintenance department was discovered to have been collecting salary from his former workplace, Lokoja Local Government Authority, since his assumption of duty at CUSTECH on January 11, 2022.

“Others, Mr. Francis Amoto Lawal of the Bursary Department, was discovered to have been collecting salary from his former workplace, Science, Technical Education and Teaching Service Commission since his assumption to duty on July 7, 2021 while Mr. Philip Anakobe Onotu of the works and maintenance department, has been collecting salary from his former workplace at the office of the Deputy Governor, since his assumption of duty on September 15, 2021.

“Mr. Abdulmajeed Damudi of the department of biological sciences, was collecting salary from his former workplace, Science, Technical Education and Teaching Service Commission, since his assumption to duty on February 9, 2021.

“The list also includes Mr. Folorunsho Joseph Ojo of the bursary department, who was still collecting salary from his former workplace Kabba/Bunu Local Government Authority since his assumption to duty on January 11, 2022.

“The case that led to the termination of the appointment of Mr. Haruna Yakubu, a Senior Patrolman of the security unit, was as a result of his absconding from duty since November 24, 2022, an action considered as a serious misconduct and breach of the terms of his employment.

“The affected staff members whose names the Office of the Auditor General sent down to CUSTECH were invited for an interactive session with a Panel constituted by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Salawu Sadiku of which they were found culpable, and therefore found guilty of holding more than one full time paid job in the Public Service of the federation, state and local government according to the CUSTECH staff cord.”

Elections: NCC Dismisses Rumoured Shutdown Of Telecom Services

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James Orji

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February 24, 2023

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The Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has urged Nigerians to ignore a rumoured shutdown of telecommunications network during the presidential election on Saturday, February 25.

Messages have been sent by some bloggers and netizens that all the telecoms network will be shutdown by their operators as a way of discouraging election speculators.

Some reports have also insinuated that banks will shut down their networks during the period, thus making it impossible for customers to make online transactions.

The commercial banks have already debunked such speculations. They will open their online platforms for users the bank said during the week.

In the past, election results had been announced on social media before the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, made a final announcement, thus causing confusion.

Shutting down network services, some said, will discourage such acts. But not a few have sternly spoken against it.

But in a statement on Thursday, the NCC described such reports as misleading, that should be totally ignored by Nigerians.

The statement said, “The attention of the NCC, has been drawn to fraudulent and misleading information circulating in some social media platforms, insinuating there is a planned shutdown of all telecom networks and relevant ICT Units, including online transfer facilities of the banks, with effect from today, February 23, 2023.”

“The Nigerian public, consumers of telecommunications services, and all bank customers are advised to ignore these or similar messages that insinuate deliberate network shutdown or disruption of services in the Nigerian telecom network.

“These malicious and subversive messages originated and are being circulated by fraudsters and unscrupulous elements in the society with the intent to cause chaos and panic among the populace.

“The Commission has received unequivocal assurances from all the service providers to the effect that all the network services are currently in optimal performance, and will not witness any deliberate shutdown or disruptions, especially at this very crucial period of general elections in the country.

“Therefore, all users of telecommunications and banking services utilising network facilities are assured of continued optimal service delivery before, during, and after the general elections in Nigeria,” the NCC said.

Abuja- Kaduna Train Mastermind Arrested, 23 Terrorists Killed

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James Orji

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February 24, 2023

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One of the masterminds of the March 28, 2022 train bombing in Kaduna has been arrested by troops of the Nigerian Army, according to the Defence Headquarters, DHQ.

The DHQ, however, did not name the terrorist who has confessed to be one of the attackers of the Abuja-Kaduna bound train last year in which some people were killed and others wounded.

The yet to be named terrorist, the DHQ said arrested alongside two other terrorists at Damba community in Chikun Local Government Area of Kaduna State on Feb. 14.

Speaking to journaslists in Abuja on Thursday, DHQ spokesman, Maj. Gen Musa Danlami said the operation also led to the recovery of two motorcycles, mobile phones, the sum of 5,000 dollars, other currencies and some sundry items.

Troops also neutralised seven terrorists at Ungwan Birni in Kajuru Local Government Area of the state while on patrol, he said.

According to him, troops also recovered 83 rounds of 7.62mm NATO, 50 rounds of 7.62mm special, and seven magazines, among other items.

Danmadami also disclosed that the troops of Operation Hadarin Daji, had, within two weeks neutralised 23 terrorists and arrested nine as well as rescued 23 abducted civilians, while the air component conducted a series of air interdiction operations to decimate and deny the terrorist freedom of action within the period under review.

Danlami said: “Specifically, on Feb. 13, an air interdiction operation was conducted based on an intelligence report that terrorists had gathered for a wedding ceremony at a location within Safana Local Government Area of Katsina State.

“Another air interdiction operation was conducted at identified terrorists locations within Kankara and Batsari Local Government Areas, all in Katsina state.

“Feedback revealed that several terrorists were neutralised in both air strikes.”

Final Appeal To Nigerians: “You Are To Determine Who To Serve You”

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The Source

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February 24, 2023

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By Peter Obi

Fellow Nigerians, on 27th May 2022, I took a most important decision in my life to join great and patriotic Nigerians in Labour Party to rescue our dear country Nigeria from the litany of leadership and governance failures. I was later, most graciously elected as the Presidential Candidate to lead the crusade for a New Nigeria! I sincerely thank the members and leadership of the Labour Party and other committed Nigerians like Professor Pat Utomi that made it possible. On deep reflection, I am eternally grateful to God for the decision to join Labour Party and to offer myself to serve and lead a New Nigeria!

As we campaigned across states, cities, towns, and villages of our dear Nation, my heart was filled with great concern but also with joy and hope. We experienced genuine love and we felt overwhelmed by the abundant and immeasurable blessings of God, in every part of our beloved country Nigeria. We felt the unparalleled zeal and energy for survival and the desire for a productive economy across the 36 states of Nigeria. I was equally very sad and most concerned! Sad as the above opportunities are being lost principally due to bad leadership and governance in a country of immense potential.

We saw real and multi-dimensional poverty, undeserving unemployment and living conditions; decaying and unavailable basic infrastructure; avoidable crises, accidents, deaths, and unchecked insecurity and criminality. Even with the lamentable state of our people, society, and economy, we are most encouraged by the love, unity, patriotism, energy, and productivity embedded in all parts of Nigeria waiting to be properly harnessed to create a secure, united, and productive New Nigeria!

As we end the campaigns, Datti Baba-Ahmed and I fully reiterate our pledge and deep commitment to lead a New Nigeria where unity, peace, love, and prosperity will reign. We sincerely thank all Nigerians particularly the “Obedients” and all our supporters across the country for their abiding faith in us. We commit and pledge to pursue and exceed your expectations for a New Nigeria.

We console and pray for the repose of the souls of Nigerians particularly our supporters that died or were killed in our struggle for a New Nigeria. Notable among them are Mallam Lawal Garba, our Zonal Party Chairman in Kaduna that died in a ghastly motor accident in October 2022, Mrs. Victoria Chimtex, the LabourParty Women Leader in Kaduna State, who was murdered in Kaura, Kaduna State in November 2022, Mr. Christopher Elehu, Labour Party’s candidate for OnuimoLocal Government Area constituency, Imo State House of Assembly that was killed in December 2022, Mr. Isaac Dauda, our Labour Leader in Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau State that died in January 2023 and Mr. Oyibo Chukwu, our senatorial candidate for Enugu East that was most painfully killed yesterday night! We feel very sad and pray that God accepts their souls and that perpetual light shines upon them!

We have also witnessed with great concern the unwarranted and uncivilized attacks on our supporters. We sympathize and pray for their quick recovery and again totally condemn such attacks that have unfortunately led to the amputation of one of our supporters in Lagos. We strongly and unequivocally demand that security agencies work round the clock to prevent any further attacks and bring the perpetrators to book. We equally call on INEC to conduct the elections with utmost professionalism and impartiality. Election materials must be delivered on time and conducted strictly in line with agreed guidelines. The choice of Nigerians must be respected and allowed to prevail! The elections must be free and fair and conducted in an atmosphere of peace.

Labour Party through Datti Baba-Ahmed and I represent the New Nigeria we all want. The overwhelming support we have received from all parts of Nigeria is evident that we represent the new energy and intellect needed for a New, United, Secured, and Prosperous Nigeria. While the other candidates are free to contest, we believe that the task of engineering a new Nigeria requires a complete change in attitude, approach, and style. Commitment, hard work, and innovation are needed to move Nigeria to a position of relevance and power in the comity of nations. Our vision is a Nigeria that every citizen will be proud of and one that works for all.

As we struggle just to get by each day, may we remember that government exists to serve you, that power belongs to you, and that you determine who serves you. We,, therefore implore all Nigerians of goodwill to troop out on Saturday 25th of February to cast and protect their votes for Labour Party (LP- Mama, Papa, Pikin) to birth a New Nigeria. Our desire is a New Nigeria where our versed arable lands particularly in the North, our cocoa in the South-West, coal in the South-East and oil and gas in the South-South, our regional linkage location, the entrepreneurial spirit of Obafemi in Ibadan, Abubakar in Kano and Nnamdi in Aba, the unquenchable desire for human capital development, a just and moral oriented society of Mrs. Seember in Makurdi are all harnessed, developed and sustained.

It will be a New Nigeria with the environment for high-quality goats and rice of Alhaji Bagudu in Kebbi, the desire of Mallam Haruna in Gilani, Yobe State to harness their abundant Kaolin and gypsum, and Mr. Pwajok to develop Potato and rice plantations in Shendam Plateau State and Adani, Enugu State respectively are fully supported.

With a New Nigeria, both local and foreign investors will be attracted to build a power plant using our coal, gas, water, and sun. MTN and Shell Plc are excited to relocate their technical support office for North Central to Jalingo, and our commercial banks are inspired and secured to host their Annual general meetings in Maiduguri, Gusau, or Damaturu. Kayode Omojawa from Ondo State and Helen Bassey from Ogoja, Cross River State will be motivated to convince their parents to allow them to school in Offa, Kwara State due to the excellent infrastructure and secured Nigeria.

We will build agricultural dams and support every state in Nigeria to plant 10, million economic trees to generate an additional N300,000,000,000 (Three Hundred Billion Naira) per state every year to eradicate poverty and enhance the human capital development of our children and youths. Our government will give utmost attention to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) issues starting with proper cleaning and restoration of Niger Delta areas ravaged by oil pollution and years of negligence.

Let me reiterate, securing and uniting Nigeria will be our number one priority and we will do whatever is required to achieve it. We will lead and task security agencies to locate and rescue all Nigerians still being held captive by bandits and criminals including Leah Sharibu, remaining Chibok girls, and others. Our farmers must return to their farms to feed Nigeria. We will execute a national security strategy starting with three-level (federal, state, local) policing anchored on accelerated human and physical development; drive our national security strategy on data, intelligence, insights, and technology in addition to the enhanced physical presence of our men and women in uniform.

We will create a cultural, economic, social, political, and policy environment to ensure labour dignity, eliminate government waste, and drive out corruption. The scam called oil subsidy will be removed and the cost of governance significantly reduced. Every Naira that government spends will be focused on improving lives and livelihoods to reduce poverty, create jobs and enhance technology driven-productivity.

That is the New Nigeria that Datti Baba-Ahmed and I offer to provide and lead. We once again implore you to come out en-masse on Saturday 25th February to cast and protect your votes for Labour Party (LP- Mama, Papa, Pikin) for a New Nigeria. With our soul, mind, and body, we pledge and deeply commit to A New Secured, United, and Prosperous Nigeria! So, help us God! May God bless you all and guide, protect and bless The Federal Republic of Nigeria!

Finnish Police Release Simon Ekpa

By

The Source

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February 24, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has been released from custody by the Finnish Police.

Ekpa was released after being grilled for hours by the Police.

The Finnish Police had arrested Ekpa on Thursday, to the excitement of most Igbo in the South-east of Nigeria. Ekpa had been terrorizing the Zone by inflicting violence, fear, and death on them. No thanks to the usual sit-at-home orders he declares at a drop of the hat, the economy of the Zone has been crippled.

A couple of days ago, he reiterated that there will be no elections in the South-east.

To instill fears in the people and stop them from voting, he declared a shutdown of the Zone. In the past few days, violence has escalated in the South-east with at least 20 people, including law enforcement agents, killed. Kidnapping and destruction and razing of Public and private facilities are also on the increase.

When the news of Ekpa’s arrest broke, accompanied by a picture of him being led out in handcuffs by plain clothes Policemen, many people thought it was in connection with his activities in Nigeria from Finland, especially as the Nigerian Government had invited the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria and laid a complaint against him.

But the Finnish Police said Ekpa was arrested for a crime committed in Finland.

It is not known if it is connected with his tirade against Nigeria from Finland.

But Tommi Rees of the Central Criminal Police in Lahti said: “The person being questioned today is suspected of a crime. We will return to the title on Friday.”

Saturday Poll: NCC Dispels Rumour Of Network Shut Down

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Ayodele Oni

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February 23, 2023

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By Ayodele Oni

Nigerian Communications Commission, (NCC) has assured that networks will not shut down as a result of Saturday’s poll.

NCC assurance came amidst rumour of possible shut down by GSM networks which may lead to breakdown in all activities relating to network services including internet banking

NCC in a statement on Thursday, signed by Reuben Muoka Director, Public Affairs reads “The attention of the Nigerian Communications Commission, NCC, has been drawn to fraudulent and misleading information circulating in some social media platforms, insinuating there is a planned shutdown of all telecom networks and relevant ICT Units, including online transfer facilities of the banks, with effect from today, February 23, 2023.

“The Nigerian public, consumers of telecommunications services, and all bank customers are advised to ignore these or similar messages that insinuate deliberate network shutdown or disruption of services in the Nigerian telecom network.

“These malicious and subversive messages originated and are being circulated by fraudsters and unscrupulous elements in the society with the intent to cause chaos and panic among the populace.

“The Commission has received unequivocal assurances from all the service providers to the effect that all the network services are currently in optimal performance, and will not witness any deliberate shutdown or disruptions, especially at this very crucial period of general elections in the country.

“Therefore, all users of telecommunications and banking services utilizing network facilities are assured of continued optimal service delivery before, during, and after the general elections in Nigeria.”

Finnish Police Confirms Simon Ekpa’s Arrest

By

The Source

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February 23, 2023

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By Gideon Njoku

The Finnish Police has confirmed the arrest and detention of “Biafran Terrorist”, Simon Ekpa.

Ekpa, self-proclaimed disciple of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, detained Leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB, has, for many months, been a thorn in the flesh of the Igbo as well as IPOB. He had, on most occasions, overruled IPOB leadership, and allegedly formed his own very violent group called Autopilot.

Anything IPOB says, he counters, including overruling IPOB on the continous sit-at-home order which has grounded the South-east economy, as well as his insistence, contrary to IPOB’s stand, that there will be no elections in the South-east.

On his orders, violence, tears, sorrow, blood, death, and the fear of tomorrow have been the lot of the people of the South-east.

A couple of weeks ago, the Nigerian Government invited the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria and complained about Ekpa’s waywardness, threat to Nigeria’s security, and his terrorism activities in his fatherland from Finland where he is, also, a citizen.

But two days to the General Elections, an exercise which he had banned in the South-east and declared a lock down of the Zone within the period, news broke that the Finnish Police has arrested Ekpa.

He was arrested Thursday morning, February 23, 2023, in his apartment.

Confirming the news of Ekpa’s arrest without mentioning his name, Tommi Reen, a Criminal Investigator from the Central Criminal Police, Finland, told a news outlet, HS News, that the “Keskusrikospoliisi (KRP), the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), in Finland had a police operation in a private apartment in the centre of Lahti.”

He said the operation is connected to an ongoing investigation. He gave no further details.

A photograph of Ekpa, in handcuffs, accompanied by the Finnish Police has since surfaced on Whatsaap platforms. He is said to be in custody.