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IPOB: Senate Seeks Extradition Of Simon Ekpa, Rejects Release Of Nnamdi Kanu
The Senate has moved to partner with the Finland government to extradite the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa.
Ekpa attracted attention in August 2021 after IPOB introduced sit-at-home on Monday across the South-East to protest the continued detention of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
The separatist group eventually suspended the order, but Ekpa has continued to declare sit-at-home in the region every Monday.
Gunmen seeking to enforce the order have continued to resort to violence and killings across the five South-East states of Enugu, Ebonyi, Imo, Abia and Anambra.
On Wednesday, the Senate shut down a motion by Senator Osita Izunaso, representing Imo West, seeking to address the enforcement of sit-at-home in the South-East by unknown gunmen.
Izunaso’s motion also sought the release the IPOB leader, Kanu.
But the motion was rejected after the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, told the Red Chamber that it was against the Senate standing rule to try to interfere in a matter before the court.
Izunazo had in his motion, which was co-sponsored by other lawmakers from the South-East, lamented the needless loss of innocent lives in the region on account of IPOB sit-at-home.
He said, “The sit-at-home civil disobedience actions in the South-East has led to the disruption and destruction of economic activities and immeasurable financial losses for businesses, workers, and the local economy.
“The sit-at-home protests disrupt the education of students, leading to missed classes and delays in academic progress. And such prolonged disruptions have long-term effects on students’ learning outcomes and educational development.”
Izunaso expressed worry that if nothing was done to check IPOB factional leader, Ekpa, who continues to fuel the sit-at-home, “he may succeed in corrupting the minds of Nigerian youths and turning them against the government which is tantamount to a treasonable felony.”
The South-East lawmakers, therefore, prayed the Senate to “condemn the sit-at-home in totality as well as the nefarious activities of Simon Ekpa who is the gang leader.”
The motion “urges the Federal Government to collaborate with the Finnish government and extradite Simon Ekpa for prosecution.”
It also urged the Federal Government to use a political solution approach in handling the case of Nnamdi Kanu.
“Invite the Minister of Foreign Affairs (when appointed) and relevant stakeholders to carry out a thorough investigation as well as bring other sponsors of the act to book,” the motion proposed.
The Senate accepted all the prayers but refused the third prayer seeking political handling of Kanu’s case.
Patrick Ndubueze, (All Progressives Congress, Imo North), said, “I will say that nobody is going into the judicial issues. Our government should use bail to bargain for peace.
“If Nnamdi Kanu is released, there will be peace.”
Also, former governor of Abia State, Orji Kalu, said the South-East governors hadn’t done enough to stop the sit-at-home menace.
He said, “I must say that the military has done a lot to help. The South-East governors need to drive the solution to the problem.”
The lawmaker representing Abia South, Eyinnaya Abaribe, said he and a former Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, had in the past met with Finland ambassador over Ekpa, “and what she told me was that it is a government-government interaction.”
On his part, Senator Ifeanyi Uba (Anambra South) urged the Senate to ask the Federal Government to obey all court Orders on Kanu, but no senator accepted to second the motion.
Responding, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the South-East governors had not done enough to end IPOB sit-at-home in the region.
Akpabio said, “What have the various state governments in this region done to stop this menace?
“If the governor of the state himself observes the sit and home and the civil servants who work for the government also sit at home. The criminals would be empowered,” he said.
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Boko Haram Demands $300,000 Ransom For Abducted Borno Ex-LG Chair, Another Victim
A new video has emerged showing two men reportedly kidnapped by Boko Haram insurgents in Borno State, pleading for assistance to secure their release.
One of the captives, former Biu Local Government Area Chairman Hassan Biu Miringa, revealed that their abductors are demanding a $300,000 ransom.
Miringa said he and another individual were taken in December 2025 and have remained in the custody of the militants.
In the video shared by Zagazola Makama, Miringa introduced himself, saying: “I am Hassan Biu Miringa, former Chairman of Biu Local Government from 2020 to 2022. Four years after my tenure, we were kidnapped by the soldiers of Khilafa about two weeks ago. Alhamdulillah, we are still alive, but we urgently need help to save our lives.”
He added that negotiations with the kidnappers had been underway, with some preliminary agreements reportedly reached.
“We have engaged them on four separate occasions and reached an understanding. We appeal to our leaders, especially Borno State Deputy Governor Alhaji Usman Umar Kadafur, the National Assembly representative for Biu, Kwaya, and Shani Hon. Betera Aliyu, as well as our community leaders, to temper justice with mercy and assist us. We are their children and have been working together,” Miringa said.
He confirmed the ransom demand, explaining that each captive is expected to pay $150,000, totaling $300,000 for their freedom, and pleaded for urgent intervention to reunite with their families.
The video highlights ongoing concerns over kidnappings and insecurity in southern Borno State, which have persisted despite government efforts to curb insurgent activity in the region.
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How Rivers Women Spread Wrappers For Wike’s Motorcade During Port Harcourt Visit
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Nyesom Wike, on Saturday visited Port Harcourt City Local Government as part of his “thank you” visit across Rivers State.
Upon his arrival, a group of women displayed a symbolic gesture of loyalty by spreading their wrappers on the ground for his motorcade.
The women and supporters of the Minister were in a jubilant mode as Wike drove on the wrappers.
Wike has been going around local governments in the state to appreciate them for their support while reeling out moves ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In the course of his visits, the Minister had fired several salvos at political actors in the state, warning that their sudden support for President Bola Tinubu won’t secure them any ticket in 2027.
Wike also renewed rivalry with Governor Sim Fubara over the leadership control of the political space in the state.
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Impeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
The Rivers State House of Assembly has officially reaffirmed that the impeachment proceedings against Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, are ongoing and have not been suspended.
The Assembly said the process is still ongoing and is being conducted strictly in line with constitutional provisions.
This was contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information, Petitions and Complaints, Hon. Enemi George.
According to the statement, the impeachment process, which began on Thursday, January 8, 2026, remains on course in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The lawmakers disclosed that separate notices of allegations bordering on gross misconduct have been served on both the governor and his deputy in line with Section 188 of the Constitution.
“The notices of allegations of gross misconduct against the Governor and the Deputy Governor have been duly forwarded to them by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Martins Amaewhule, and the House is awaiting their responses,” the statement said.
The Assembly maintained that it is constitutionally obligated to act in the interest of the rule of law and ensure that no public office holder acts outside legal boundaries.
Reacting to reports suggesting that the impeachment move had been halted, the House accused some individuals and media outlets of deliberately spreading misinformation to mislead the public and stir tension between the legislature and Rivers residents.
The lawmakers described such reports as false and insisted they would not succumb to intimidation, threats, or blackmail.
“We are aware of renewed attempts by certain persons and media platforms to misinform the public by claiming that the impeachment process has been discontinued. The public should disregard such falsehoods, as the process remains active,” the statement added.
The Assembly reaffirmed its commitment to democratic principles and constitutional responsibilities, stressing that it would not be distracted by what it termed “cheap propaganda.”
It also appreciated the people of Rivers State for their support and prayers amid the ongoing political developments and extended goodwill to Nigerians committed to the nation’s democratic journey.
JomogNews reports that during Thursday’s plenary session, presided over by the Speaker, the Majority Leader, Major Jack, formally read the notice of allegations of gross misconduct against Governor Fubara on the floor of the House.
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News2 days agoImpeachment Proceedings Against Fubara, Deputy Still Active – Rivers Assembly
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