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Simon Ekpa is a criminal gang leader, says IPOB
Simon Ekpa is a criminal gang leader, says IPOB
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has distanced itself from Simon Ekpa.
Ekpa, who describes himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile and disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested in Finland on Thursday.
He is alleged to have used social media platforms to promote violent activities in the South-East, including attacks on civilians and authorities.
Reacting to the arrest of Ekpa by the Finnish authorities, IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful, maintained that his organisation had nothing to do with Ekpa and his group, Autopilot.
He said, “We are not interested in his arrest. All we want is for the release of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has not committed any offence and who has been freed by the law courts. That is our concern.
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“We have reiterated on several occasions that the Ekpa had no relationship with the IPOB from the formation to date and he had nothing in common with the Biafra struggle.
“For a long time, IPOB has maintained that there is nothing like autopilot in IPOB. More so, the criminal gang leader in Finland has no relationship with ESN from the formation of ESN to date or with IPOB. The authorities should stop linking IPOB with Ekpa and his group and IPOB is not interested in his arrest or whatever.
“All we want is for the Nigerian government to release our leader who has been detained for no known crime other than fighting for the liberation of his people.”
Simon Ekpa is a criminal gang leader, says IPOB
metro
FG pays N1.1bn professional fees to Afe Babalola, other top lawyers – Report
FG pays N1.1bn professional fees to Afe Babalola, other top lawyers – Report
The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Justice, has paid about N1.1 billion in professional fees to renowned lawyers, including Chief Afe Babalola, SAN, Wole Olanipekun, SAN, and 23 other legal practitioners and firms within three years.
According to a report by Saturday PUNCH, the information comes from an analysis conducted by GovSpend, a civic tech platform that monitors government expenditure.
Professional legal services typically include offering advice, drafting legal documents, and representing clients in legal cases. Lawyers may also provide assistance with transactional matters, compliance, negotiation, advocacy, lobbying, and risk management.
In July 2024, Babalola, Olanipekun, and Dr. Alex Izinyon, SAN, collectively received N482.7 million from the Ministry of Justice. Records show that Babalola was paid N372.9 million on July 23 for representing the Federal Government in case FHC/ABJ/SC/8962/2023. Olanipekun and Izinyon received N103.6 million and N6.2 million, respectively, on July 26 and July 29.
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The records further reveal that 17 lawyers were paid a combined sum of N359.7 million in 2022, while four lawyers received N319.3 million in 2021.
In 2022, Savannah Law Chambers received N17.4 million; Lex Habitae, N21.8 million; Rashida Mohammed & Co, N17.4 million; and Abdullahi Haruna & Co, N17.4 million. LDS Legal received N70.9 million, and King’s Chambers and Iwuanyanwu & Co each received N15.7 million. Sulaiman Salihu & Co was paid N31.4 million in two installments.
Other firms, such as Justice Solicitors & Attorneys, Pelican Legal, and Aderemi Olatubora & Co, were each paid N15.7 million, while Savannah Law Chambers received an additional N29 million. Lords and Temple Attorneys was paid N5.4 million, while Hanafi & Associates received N20.7 million.
In 2021, disbursements included N174 million to Mr. Chikwendu Madumere, N21.8 million to LDS Legal, N21.8 million to Olowolafe & Co, and N100.5 million to Sulaiman Salihu & Co in two installments.
As part of the payments, Chief Afe Babalola remitted 7.5% Value Added Tax (VAT) amounting to N31 million, while Wole Olanipekun paid N8.6 million in VAT. Additionally, both lawyers paid 10% withholding tax of N41.4 million and N11.5 million, respectively, to the Ministry of Justice.
FG pays N1.1bn professional fees to Afe Babalola, other top lawyers – Report
metro
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi has announced the gruesome murder of Reverend Father Tobias Chukwujekwu Okonkwo by unknown assailants.
Rev Fr Okonkwo, who is also a pharmacist, was shot dead in Ihiala on Boxing Day.
The killing of the clergyman came barely two weeks after the abduction of a 75-year-old retired Anglican Archbishop, Most Reverend Godwin Okpala and their whereabouts have remained unknown.
A statement signed by Rev. Fr. Raphael Ezeogu, Chancellor of the Nnewi Diocese, Rev Fr Raphael Ezeonu said Fr. Tobias was killed between 7 pm and 8 pm along the Onitsha-Owerri Expressway.
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The statement described the incident as a devastating loss but expressed faith in divine consolation.
Born on August 11, 1984, Fr. Tobias was ordained as a priest on July 11, 2015.
At the time of his death, he was serving as the Manager of the Schools of Nursing, Midwifery, and Medical Laboratory at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital Ihiala.
The Catholic Diocese of Nnewi called on the faithful to offer prayers and Holy Masses for the eternal rest of Fr. Tobias and to console his bereaved family.
The Diocese said funeral arrangements of Fr Okonkwo will be announced in due course.
Gunmen kill Catholic priest in Anambra
metro
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
The Chief Imam of Lagos Central Mosque, Ridhwan Jamiu, on Friday said President Bola Tinubu had not disappointed Nigerians.
The cleric said this during the Juma’at prayer at the Lekki Central Mosque in Lagos, with President Tinubu in attendance.
“We are proud of you. I remember that we encouraged people to vote for you during the campaigns.
” We thank God that you have not disappointed us.
“We know you are capable. We know you have the sagacity. We know you are competent.
“We believe and pray that you are not going to disappoint us.
” May Allah continue to be with you. Allah has entrusted Nigeria to you and will ask you for this trust,” he said.
He urged Nigerians to be grateful to Allah during times of fortune and be patient during adversity.
He reminded the faithful that unwavering hope and faith were essential to believers, even in challenging circumstances.
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He assured the president of the steadfast prayers and support of Muslim faithful as he governed the nation.
The cleric urged the president to remember accountability and responsibility to the people, saying responsibility was to the people while accountability was to Allah.
“Prophet Muhammad (SAW) said: ” The most beloved of all people to Allah is the righteous and just leader.’
“We have seen righteousness in you and fairness and justice in you. Please keep it up and sustain it.
“You bear one of the names of Prophet Muhammad, Ahmed, someone who does what is praiseworthy.
” This name has been reflected in your past actions and we hope it will reflect in your actions now.”
The Juma’at prayer was the president’s first public outing since attending prayers at the Alausa Central Mosque on Dec. 20.
The president arrived in Nigeria’s commercial capital on Dec. 18 after presenting the 2025 budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.
In honour of victims of the stampedes in Oyo and Anambra States as well as the Federal Capital Territory, which claimed lives, Tinubu had cancelled his public engagements.
On Dec. 23, the president hosted the maiden Presidential Media Chat at his Oyinkan Abayomi Drive Residence in Ikoyi.
As part of the Christmas and holiday festivities, he also received private visitors daily.
Lagos Imam to Tinubu: You haven’t disappointed us
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