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Lawyer Edun Claims Those Funding Terrorism Activities Are Equally Guilty, Referring to Simon Ekpa’s Case

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Legal experts have issued strong warnings that individuals who provide financial support to Simon Ekpa, the detained leader of the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), could face serious legal consequences, including charges of terrorism.

Ekpa, who was recently apprehended by Finnish authorities, continues to receive backing from certain IPOB members, some of whom are actively fundraising to support his cause.

In a video shared on social media platform X, the purported Minister of Information for the banned IPOB group, @Akparawasunny, posted a message urging supporters to “Vote, Donate, Support BRGIE” for the Biafra cause. The video featured a woman named Ada Biafra, who assured viewers that Ekpa would return shortly. She also referenced a flyer promoting the donation campaign, explaining that the money was being used to buy “groundnuts” (a code for bullets) for the group’s fighters, as “no groundnut that goes out comes back in.”

This fundraising campaign has stirred controversy on social media, with mixed reactions from users. While some users are vocal in their support for Biafra and Ekpa’s cause, others have criticized the donations as fraudulent. One commenter questioned the legitimacy of the campaign, asking, “Donate to do what with the money?”

Legal experts have pointed out that funding terrorist activities is a serious offense under Nigerian law. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Edun, emphasized that the financing of terrorism is prohibited by the Terrorism (Prevention) Act. He explained that any individual who knowingly provides financial support or resources to those engaged in terrorist activities could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment. If a death occurs during the commission of the act, the death penalty could apply.

Edun further highlighted the concerns raised by the alleged crowdfunding efforts associated with Ekpa, suggesting that if it is proven that donors were aware, or should have been aware, of the terrorist nature of the activities they were supporting, they could also be charged with financing terrorism. He stressed that a thorough investigation would be required to gather sufficient evidence to support such charges.

Ayo Ademiluyi, another legal expert, reinforced this position, noting that since IPOB has been designated a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government, any funding provided to the group constitutes support for terrorism. Ademiluyi described crowdfunding efforts for IPOB as an accessory to terrorism, further emphasizing that those involved in such actions could face prosecution.

Eze Onyekpere, another legal practitioner, also condemned the funding of Ekpa’s activities, equating it to providing support to groups like Boko Haram or other terrorist organizations operating in northern Nigeria. He stated that funding Ekpa and his separatist activities directly contributes to the spread of terrorism.

In conclusion, legal professionals are urging for a comprehensive investigation into the financial networks supporting Simon Ekpa’s cause, warning that those found guilty of funding terrorism could face severe criminal penalties.

 

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Politics

President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Paris on a state visit in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.

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November 27, 2024

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President Bola Tinubu has departed Abuja for Paris on a state visit in honour of an invitation from President Emmanuel Macron.
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The president is on the trip alongside first lady, Oluremi.

They were seen off by top government functionaries led by secretary to the government of the federation, George Akume, chief of staff, Femi Gbajabiamila.

The presidential zero-one-one air plane took off at about twenty minutes past eleven this Wednesday morning.

A statement by the presidential adviser on information and strategy, Bayo Onanuga reveals that, the Nigerian leader’s three-day visit, which will focus on strengthening political, economic, and cultural relations and establishing more opportunities for partnership, promises significant benefits for Nigeria.

President Tinubu and his wife, are expected to be received on Thursday at the French military museum, Les Invalides and Palais de l’Élysée, by the host president, Macron and his spouse, Brigitte, for initial ceremonies that will dovetail into bilateral meetings.

The two presidents are also to harmonise positions on stimulating more interest in exchange programmes that focus on skill development for youths and improving their competencies in automation, entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.

Both leaders will witness a session by the France-Nigeria Business Council, which oversees private sector participation in economic development.

Wife of the host president, Brigitte and Nigeria’s First Lady are also scheduled to discuss the Renewed Hope Initiative and the interest for empowering women, children, and the most vulnerable in Nigeria.

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PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU APPOINTS JAMI’U ABIOLA AS SSA ON LINGUISTICS & FOREIGN MATTERS

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November 27, 2024

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PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU APPOINTS JAMI’U ABIOLA AS SSA ON LINGUISTICS & FOREIGN MATTERS
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PRESIDENT BOLA TINUBU APPOINTS JAMI’U ABIOLA AS SSA ON LINGUISTICS & FOREIGN MATTERS

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the appointment of Jami’u Abiola as the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Linguistics and Foreign Matters.

A statement by Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information & Public Relations Office the
Secretary to the Government of
the Federation says the appointment takes effect from 14th of this month. It adds that the appointment is in line with the provisions of the Certain Political and Judicial Office Holders (Salaries and Allowances, etc) Act 2008, as amended.

It notes that until the appointment, Jami’u served as the Special Assistant to the President on Special Duties in the Office of the Vice President.

President Tinubu tasks the appointee to work closely with the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs and bring his wealth of experience to bear in his new assignment.

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It may not be Tinubu but power can’t return to North In 2027 – Okupe

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November 27, 2024

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It may not be Tinubu but power can’t return to North In 2027 – Okupe
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Ex-presidential aide to former President, Goodluck Jonathan, has emphatically declared that the presidency will not return to the North in 2027.

Okupe, who made the assertion on Monday during an interview, tackled those agitating for the Northern presidency in the next election.

He identified sectionalism as the “most fundamental problems why Nigeria is stagnating”, stressing that “those who control the affairs of this nation, in terms of politics before now, were more interested in national interest than sectional interest”.

He stated, “I say this authoritatively without any fear of contradiction or equivocation, in 2027, power cannot return to the North yet. That’s not how we do it.”

“We rotate between the North and the South. The North does eight years, at the end of which the South does eight years.

“I’m not saying that Bola Tinubu must be president in 2027, but it’s not going to be a northerner,” he explained.

© Blaze 91.5 FM

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