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Finnish Police Arrest Simon Ekpa Over Terror-Related Allegations
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, has been arrested by Finnish authorities on allegations of inciting terrorist activities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his detention following an incident that reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021.
READ ALSO: Policeman Feared Dead As Gunmen Attack Checkpoint In Abia
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also seeking the arrest of four other individuals in connection with the case. Officials say the charges involve public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the police said in a statement.
Details regarding the additional suspects or the specifics of the alleged crimes remain unclear as the investigation continues. Authorities have emphasized the sensitive nature of the case, stating that further information will be disclosed as the inquiry progresses.
This development marks a significant step in Finland’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety.
The Nigerian Senate, on Thursday, passed a vote of confidence in the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio, reaffirming its support despite the controversy surrounding the upper legislative chamber.
The decision followed a motion moved by Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, under Orders 40 and 51, emphasizing the need for clarity, adherence to legislative procedures, and a renewed focus on governance.
The controversy stems from the suspension of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan (Kogi Central) after she accused Senate President Akpabio of sexual harassment.
READ ALSO: Natasha’s Suspension Not Linked To Harassment Claims – Senate
In response, she petitioned the United Nations’ Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), decrying her suspension as unjust.
However, the Senate, in a statement to the IPU on Wednesday, refuted claims that her suspension was linked to her allegations, maintaining that she was disciplined for “gross misconduct and disobedience to Senate rules.”
During plenary, Senator Bamidele dismissed suggestions that the Senate was informed of any sexual harassment claims against Akpabio between August 2023 and the present.
He insisted that the matter at hand strictly concerned disciplinary measures.
“I want to make it clear that the matter referred to the Committee on Ethics and Privileges had nothing to do with sexual harassment,” he stated.
“The Senate President did not preside over any case related to such allegations. What was addressed was a flagrant disregard for Senate rules, and we followed due process as guided by the Constitution.”
Bamidele further defended the Senate’s authority to regulate its proceedings, asserting that disciplinary actions, including suspension, were necessary to maintain order and legislative integrity.
“It was never an issue before us that any senator was sexually harassed. We need to move past the events of the last two weeks and focus on our legislative responsibilities. There is critical work before us, including electoral reforms, economic recovery, and tax reform bills,” he said.
Addressing concerns over international reactions, Bamidele clarified that Senator Akpoti-Uduaghan’s statements at the IPU meeting were made in a personal capacity and not as a representative of Nigeria.
“The IPU acted within its own rules, and whatever was said by the senator in question was not as a designated delegate from Nigeria,” he added.
He also called on Civil Society Organizations to remain objective, urging them to focus on genuine cases of sexual harassment rather than politicizing legislative disciplinary actions.
“We have heard you, but we need to concentrate on our work. If we choose to be silent on this matter going forward, know that it is intentional on our part,” Bamidele stated.
Following deliberations, the Senate overwhelmingly passed a vote of confidence in Akpabio’s leadership, commending his handling of the situation.
Deputy Senate President, Senator Barau Jibrin, who presided over the plenary session, emphasized that with the 2024 budget now passed, lawmakers must shift their focus to their oversight functions.
He further stated that the matter is now before the courts and urged the Senate to allow the judiciary to take its course.
Former Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, is currently in a closed-door meeting with Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed.
The meeting, which is taking place at the Ramat House in Bauchi, remains undisclosed to the public, as no official reason has been given for the high-profile discussion.
READ MORE: El-Rufai’s Son Makes U-Turn On Peter Obi, Blames APC For ‘Poisoning’ His Mind
However, details are expected to emerge once Obi and Mohammed address journalists after the meeting.
More to follow…………
The Rivers State House of Assembly has commenced an investigation into the state’s Chief Judge, Justice Simeon Amadi, over allegations of age falsification.
During a plenary session presided over by Speaker Martins Amaewhule, lawmakers deliberated on the issue, signaling the beginning of a formal probe.
READ ALSO: Wike Frustrated As Fubara Impeachment Plot Fails – CUPP
The development comes amid the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, further intensifying tensions in the oil-rich region.
Details shortly…………..
Senate Passes Vote of Confidence In Akpabio Amid Controversy
Peter Obi In High-Level Meeting With Gov Bala Mohammed
BREAKING: Rivers Chief Judge Under Probe For Alleged Age Falsification
Osun Govt Gifts Over 42,000 Pupils Corrective Glasses
Wike Frustrated As Fubara Impeachment Plot Fails – CUPP
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November 22, 2024 at 6:15 am
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