Hello and welcome! In today’s trending news stories;
1. The Defence Headquarters of Nigeria has praised Finnish authorities for the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a separatist leader detained on Thursday, November 21, 2024, for inciting violence and financing terrorism in Southeastern Nigeria. Major General Edward Buba and Brigadier General Tukur Gusau called the arrest a significant step in combating terrorism. Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa hoped for Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria to face justice. Finnish police detained Ekpa and four others on suspicion of terrorism-related crimes, including public incitement and financing, with accusations linked to violent activities dating back to August 2021. Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), allegedly used social media to promote violence and separatist propaganda under the guise of advocating for Biafra’s independence.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) disassociated itself from Ekpa, accusing him of recruiting violent groups like the Biafra Liberation Army, which they claim has destabilized the region. IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to peaceful advocacy for a referendum and condemned efforts to link their movement to Ekpa’s violent actions. Authorities in Finland continue investigations into Ekpa and his associates, and international cooperation is involved in the case.
2. President Bola Tinubu, during the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, claimed his administration’s reforms have positively impacted Nigeria’s economy, though they caused some hardship. Speaking with IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva, he stated his plans to prioritize the welfare of vulnerable Nigerians and reduce the economic challenges arising from reforms like removing fuel subsidies and the naira floatation. Tinubu also stressed the importance of social safety nets and educational access, noting efforts to keep children in school and implement tax reforms to broaden the economy’s base without overburdening citizens. He called for IMF support to achieve these goals and congratulated Georgieva on her re-election. Georgieva praised Nigeria’s reforms for showing positive indicators and desired to visit the country. She pledged further IMF support, including technical assistance for budget processes, to help diversify Nigeria’s economy and enhance social investment programs to protect the most vulnerable.
3. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and Hamas military commander Mohammed Deif, citing “reasonable grounds” for their alleged involvement in war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Israel-Hamas conflict. Netanyahu and Gallant are accused of using starvation as a method of warfare and targeting civilians. At the same time, Deif faces allegations of murder, torture, and sexual violence during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.
4. The National Sports Commission (NSC) has partnered with the International Management Group (IMG) to transform Nigerian football, aiming to improve the sport from grassroots to elite levels. NSC Chairman Malam Shehu Dikko emphasized the partnership’s potential to showcase Nigerian talent globally. Additionally, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd.) has committed to supporting the development and commercialization of football in Nigeria. NNPC’s CEO, Mele Kyari, highlighted their role in reshaping the sport, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s call for urgent football reforms. Dikko also noted that football’s impact could boost related industries and the broader economy.
5. Both Israel and Hamas have denied the charges, with Netanyahu condemning the warrants as “antisemitic” and Hamas calling the decision a significant precedent. While ICC member states are obligated to enforce the warrants, enforcement remains uncertain, as neither Israel nor the U.S. recognizes the ICC’s jurisdiction. Similar cases, such as those involving Vladimir Putin and Omar al-Bashir, demonstrate the political and logistical challenges of enforcing such warrants.
6. Seun Kuti, Rema, Tyla, Desiree, and Amaarae are among the African stars set to perform at Coachella 2025, showcasing Afrobeat, Amapiano, and R&B sounds. The festival will occur at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, California, across two weekends: April 11–13 and April 18–20. They will share the stage with global icons such as Lady Gaga, Green Day, Post Malone, and Travis Scott, highlighting the growing international influence of African-inspired music.
