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.

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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.

As the 29th United Nations Climate Change Summit (COP29) nears its conclusion, tensions are rising over a newly published funding proposal aimed at assisting developing nations in addressing climate-induced crises.

The proposal, released by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) on Thursday, has sparked widespread debate among delegations, activists, and observers at the summit.

The document, spanning ten pages, outlines funding options to support developing countries in implementing their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the 2015 Paris Agreement.

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However, it fails to specify how much wealthier nations are required to contribute annually—a key sticking point that has drawn criticism from the Global South and climate advocates.

Ambiguity in Funding Commitments

Critics argue that the absence of concrete figures undermines the credibility of the proposed framework.

Mohamed Adow, Founder and Director of Power Shift Africa, described the proposal as “a blank piece of paper,” highlighting the lack of clarity on financial commitments.

“This is the ‘finance COP.’ We came here to talk about money. The way you measure money is with numbers. We need a cheque, but all we have right now is a blank piece of paper,” Adow remarked during an interview.

The Global South, led by African delegations, is demanding at least $1.3 trillion annually by the end of the decade to adapt to climate change impacts and transition to sustainable energy systems.

Yet, developed nations have yet to commit to a specific annual figure, raising concerns over the summit’s ability to deliver tangible outcomes.

Key Provisions and Concerns

The new text acknowledges the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations and the financial barriers they face, including high costs of capital and limited fiscal space.

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It proposes the establishment of a New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) for climate finance, suggesting a framework of “at least USD [X] trillion annually” from 2025 to 2035.

However, the absence of defined numbers has led to frustration among negotiators.

David Tong, Global Industry Campaign Manager at Oil Change International, emphasized the critical role of finance in achieving meaningful progress.

“Without finance, there is no phase-out [of fossil fuels], no energy transition, no adaptation. The ambitious options are simply missing,” Tong stated during a press briefing.

Rising Frustration from the Global South

Delegates from the Global South have expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceive as weak commitments from developed nations.

Many fear that without concrete financial pledges, the summit’s outcomes may fall short of expectations.

“This summit is about delivering justice to those who suffer most from climate impacts. Wealthy nations must step up and provide the necessary funding,” said an African negotiator, speaking on condition of anonymity.

A Critical Juncture

With less than 48 hours remaining in the summit, the stakes are high. The COP29 negotiations in Baku, dubbed the “finance COP,” are expected to set a precedent for addressing the financial needs of vulnerable nations.

Delegates are calling on world leaders to finalize an ambitious NCQG target and bridge the growing divide between developed and developing nations.

Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has called on residents to report individuals reselling kiosks at the Christmas Village for prices above the government-approved rate of ₦100,000.

Speaking on Wednesday during the unveiling of new waste management equipment in Itam, Itu Local Government Area, the governor condemned the sharp practices and vowed to ensure fairness in the sales process.

“I have credible intelligence that some people went and bought shops at the Christmas Village and are now reselling them for as much as ₦300,000. If anybody tells you to pay ₦300,000, please report the person immediately,” Eno said.

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The governor directed kiosk buyers to pay only the official price of ₦100,000 and warned sellers against profiteering.

“Anybody who is selling the shop, just take the shop, pay the person ₦100,000. If they ask for a balance, tell them to meet Umo Eno,” he added.

To address the issue, Eno instructed the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Charles Udoh, to investigate and act swiftly.

Governor Eno also issued a stern warning against fetish performances during the Christmas season.

He directed local government leaders to ensure that celebrations reflect Akwa Ibom’s cultural values and traditions.

“When you are packaging, local government leaders and stakeholders must get involved. We want to see our foods and a decent display of our values. We will not tolerate diabolical masquerades or promote rituals during the period,” the governor said.

In a move to improve sanitation across the state, Governor Eno announced plans to reward the cleanest local government areas while warning against indiscriminate waste disposal.

He revealed that a new law would soon be enacted to prosecute offenders of poor sanitation practices.

“The Chairmen of local governments must collaborate closely with the Akwa Ibom State Waste Management Agency to ensure efficient service delivery,” Eno said.

The event also marked the commissioning of newly acquired waste management equipment to enhance cleanliness and environmental protection efforts.

The Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Management Agency, Prince Ikim, commended the governor’s commitment to equipping the agency for effective service delivery.

“With these tools, there will be no room for excuses. We are ready to hit the ground running,” Ikim said.

Ubong Nkut, Chairman of Itu Local Government Area, expressed gratitude for the governor’s fulfillment of campaign promises, including the construction of the Nnung Ukot Itam–Ikot Ekwere road project.

The National Coordinator of Clean Up Nigeria Limited, Baba Owo, also praised the governor’s environmental initiatives, describing them as critical to sustainability and public health in the state.