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Finland Pledges Swift Action on Simon Ekpa’s Extradition During Diplomatic Talks

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ABUJA, Nigeria – The Finnish government has assured Nigeria that legal proceedings involving Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure associated with the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be expedited and concluded soon. This assurance was provided by Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, during a press briefing held in Abuja on Tuesday.

Simon Ekpa, who currently resides in Finland, leads a faction of IPOB known as Autopilot, which advocates for the creation of an independent state of Biafra, covering Nigeria’s South East and parts of the South-South regions. Ekpa has been accused of playing a pivotal role in instigating violence in Nigeria, particularly through the enforcement of a controversial sit-at-home order and other attacks targeting security personnel.

On Tuesday, Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, engaged in high-level discussions with the Foreign Ministers of Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and representatives from Norway and Denmark. The discussions were centered around Ekpa’s activities and their impact on Nigeria’s security.

Finnish delegates to Nigeria

The delegation included Tobias Billström, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Sweden; Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs; Bjørg Sandkjær, the State Secretary for International Development from Norway; and Eva Marie Frida Barløse, Under Secretary for Foreign Policy from Denmark.

During the discussions, Ambassador Tuggar emphasized the importance of addressing the issue of Simon Ekpa. “It was a priority. There is no way Nigeria would engage with Finland without raising the issue of Simon Ekpa vociferously,” Tuggar stated, confirming that the matter was central to his talks with Valtonen.

The Finnish delegation assured Nigeria that the legal process against Ekpa would be handled swiftly and in accordance with Finnish law, underscoring their commitment to maintaining strong diplomatic relations with Nigeria while addressing the concerns raised by the Nigerian government.

Foreign Nationals Arrested in Kampala Over Attempted Passport Fraud

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KAMPALA, Uganda – Authorities in Kampala have arrested three foreign nationals on Tuesday for attempting to illegally acquire Ugandan passports using fraudulent documents, the Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed.

The individuals, including a Nigerian national and two Cameroonians, were intercepted at the Immigration office in Kampala Central while trying to secure Ugandan passports under false pretenses.

The Nigerian, identified as Rahman Adam Bolakale, reportedly used a forged National ID under the name Makenke Rahman Adam to apply for a Ugandan passport, despite already holding a valid Nigerian passport. “He falsely claimed to be a Mufumbira with a Mufumbira father and Muganda mother,” the ministry stated, highlighting the extent of the deception.

In a related incident, the Cameroonian duo—Sah Cruz Nyimaneke, alias Kato Cruz, and Sah Yuri Kor-Nyui, alias Wasswa Alex—attempted to obtain Ugandan passports by presenting fake National IDs. The two, known as the Baganda Twins, were discovered to be holding valid Cameroonian passports.

The Ministry of Internal Affairs has indicated that its legal team, along with other relevant agencies, is conducting a thorough investigation into the trio’s activities in preparation for their prosecution. “We want to reassure the public that our passport system is robust and that we consistently identify and apprehend such fraudsters,” the ministry asserted in a statement.

In light of this incident, the Ugandan public is being urged to avoid assisting foreigners in obtaining passports through fraudulent means, as doing so could result in severe legal repercussions. “We encourage anyone with information on such individuals to promptly report them to us so that appropriate actions can be taken,” the ministry added.

German Fraud Victim Seeks Enforcement of Judgement Against Nigerian Fraudsters in Ghana

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A 69-year-old German widow, Ms. Waltraud Wiesent, is appealing to Ghanaian authorities and the German Embassy in Accra for assistance in confiscating the property of two Nigerian fraudsters who swindled her in 2010. The appeal comes after a 2015 court judgement ordered the convicts, Mark Latif Adijum and Benjamin Taofeek Oluwashola, to refund €248,000 they fraudulently obtained from her under the guise of supplying gold.

Ms. Wiesent, speaking through the Ghanaian Times, has called on Ghana’s Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Mr. Godfred Yeboah Dame, to intervene in identifying and confiscating the convicts’ investments and properties in Ghana. She has also requested the German Embassy to engage with Mr. Dame to facilitate the recovery of her stolen funds.

The victim revealed that her bank sold her houses to settle the loan she had taken to send money to the Nigerians, who had presented themselves as legitimate gold dealers in Ghana.

In 2015, Adijum was sentenced to eight years in Nsawam Prisons by the Accra Circuit Court, while Oluwashola was fined GH¢40,000. Adijum’s subsequent appeal at the High Court was unsuccessful.

The case, which saw multiple adjournments, involved the fraudsters introducing themselves under false pretenses and convincing Ms. Wiesent to transfer money through various means, including Money Gram and bank accounts at Ecobank and Guaranty Trust Bank.

As Ms. Wiesent seeks justice and the enforcement of the court’s judgement, this case highlights the challenges of international fraud and the complexities of recovering stolen funds across borders.

South Africa’s Unemployment Rate Rises to 33.5%, Over 8 Million Jobless

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South Africa’s unemployment rate has risen to 33.5% in the second quarter of 2024, up from 32.9% in the first quarter, according to a report released Tuesday by the government’s statistics office. This increase represents a 0.6 percentage point climb in joblessness for Africa’s most industrialized economy.

The number of unemployed individuals has now reached 8.4 million, a significant increase from 5.2 million in 2014. Simultaneously, the number of employed persons decreased by 92,000 to 16.7 million in Q2 2024.

Key sectors experiencing job losses include trade, agriculture, and construction. Only manufacturing, social services, and utilities showed job growth during this period. The Western Cape, Mpumalanga, and KwaZulu-Natal provinces saw the most significant decreases in employment.

This rise in unemployment comes as South Africa continues to grapple with economic challenges, including a prolonged recession and the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic. The country has struggled to create jobs in recent years, a situation that has become a critical political issue.

The unemployment figures are the first to be released since the May 2024 elections, which resulted in a coalition government. The new administration has placed economic revival at the top of its agenda, responding to the unemployment crisis that likely contributed to the African National Congress (ANC) losing its absolute majority.

As South Africa faces this growing unemployment challenge, the new government’s ability to stimulate job creation and economic growth will be closely watched by both citizens and international observers.

Meet Samuel Apea-Danquah, the Youngest Presidential Aspirant Since Dr. Kwame Nkrumah

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Samuel Apea-Danquah, a visionary Ghanaian polymath and serial entrepreneur, is on the verge of making history as the youngest presidential aspirant since the era of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.

Born on Monday, February 22, 1982, in Bosuso, Eastern Region of Ghana, Samuel’s journey from humble beginnings to becoming a formidable force in Ghana’s entrepreneurial and political landscape is nothing short of inspirational.

A Legacy of Excellence

Samuel Apea-Danquah, 42, comes from a family deeply rooted in education and leadership. His father, Fredrick Apea-Danquah, was a trailblazer in his own right as the first black secretary of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the founder of Achimota Business College (ACHIBUSOC). This legacy of excellence undoubtedly shaped Samuel’s path, instilling in him the values of perseverance, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of knowledge.

Early Education and Academic Achievements

Samuel’s educational journey began at the prestigious Achimota Primary and JSS School, where his academic brilliance began to shine. In 1997, he gained admission to Tema Secondary School, a period during which his passion for science and technology blossomed. This passion led him to pursue a degree in Biological Science at the University of Ghana, Legon, after spending a foundational year at Central University College (CUC).

While at the University of Ghana, Samuel’s leadership qualities came to the forefront. In 2002, he founded and served as Editor-in-Chief of The Campus Weekly, the university’s first official campus newspaper. This bold initiative demonstrated his commitment to fostering dialogue and information exchange among the youth, a trait that would later define his professional ventures.

The Godfather of Digitalization and AI in Ghana

Samuel Apea-Danquah is widely regarded as a godfather of Digitalization and Artificial Intelligence in Ghana. His groundbreaking work in these fields has not only positioned him as a pioneer but also as a leader in technological advancements in the country. Through his visionary initiatives, Samuel has continuously pushed the boundaries of what is possible, laying the foundation for Ghana’s digital future.

His achievements in the realms of AI and digital transformation have garnered both national and international recognition, earning him a reputation as a forward-thinking leader who is not afraid to embrace the future. Samuel’s vision for Ghana is deeply rooted in leveraging technology to drive economic growth, improve governance, and enhance the lives of all Ghanaians.

A Presidential Vision

Now, as Samuel Apea-Danquah steps onto the national political stage, he brings with him a wealth of experience, a passion for innovation, and a deep commitment to the betterment of his country. His candidacy represents a new generation of leadership in Ghana—one that is focused on harnessing the power of technology to create a more prosperous and equitable society.

With a vision that encompasses economic empowerment, educational reform, and technological advancement, Samuel aims to lead Ghana into a future where every citizen has the opportunity to thrive. As the youngest presidential aspirant since Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Samuel Apea-Danquah is poised to make history, and in doing so, inspire a new era of leadership in Ghana.

myjoyonline.com

Sudan Army Boycotts US-Led Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict

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Fresh peace talks aimed at ending Sudan’s 16-month war have commenced in Geneva, Switzerland, despite the boycott by one of the main warring parties – the Sudanese national army. The US-facilitated discussions are proceeding regardless, with American officials stating that the millions suffering in Sudan “cannot afford for us to wait.”

The conflict between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced approximately 10 million people since its outbreak.

The army’s decision to boycott Wednesday’s talks has dashed hopes for an immediate ceasefire. They cited the RSF’s failure to implement previously agreed terms from the Jeddah Declaration, including the withdrawal of fighters from civilian areas and public facilities.

In contrast, the RSF announced its arrival in Geneva via social media platform X, calling on the army to “commit to fulfilling the democratic aspirations of the Sudanese people.”

The army also objected to the presence of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as an observer, accusing the country of backing the RSF. Other attendees include delegates from the US, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the African Union, and the United Nations.

The United Nations’ migration agency has warned of tens of thousands of preventable deaths looming in Sudan if the conflict and restrictions on humanitarian aid persist. The US emphasized that the crisis has reached unprecedented levels of severity, with millions facing hunger and displacement.

As talks proceed without the army’s participation, the international community remains focused on finding a resolution to the protracted conflict and alleviating the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan.

Nigerian Governor Umo Eno’s WhatsApp Number Hacked by Fraudsters

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The WhatsApp account of Umo Eno, governor of Nigeria’s oil-rich Akwa Ibom state, has been hacked by suspected fraudsters who are using it to solicit money from his contacts. Akwa Ibom, located in southern Nigeria, is the country’s third-richest state with an annual gross domestic product of $19 billion (£15 billion).

Governor Eno, a pastor who founded the All Nations Christian Ministry International and was elected last year, had his phone contacts receive messages on Tuesday requesting specific amounts of money to be transferred to an account, with promises of later reimbursement.

Ekerete Udoh, the governor’s chief press secretary, confirmed in a statement that the governor’s WhatsApp number was “cloned” by criminals attempting to defraud unsuspecting individuals. Law enforcement agencies have been notified of the incident.

“We hereby warn that any message appearing to solicit funds by these imposters should be totally discountenanced by the general public as they do not emanate from the Governor,” the statement read.

This incident follows a similar case less than a month ago involving Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, uncle of Afrobeats star Davido, whose phone numbers were also compromised.

Cybersecurity analyst Bilal Abdullahi advised governors to implement additional security measures for their phone numbers and WhatsApp accounts, such as email authorization and app locks.

Despite recent efforts to combat cyber-fraud, including thousands of arrests by the financial crimes agency EFCC, it remains a significant issue in Nigeria. Uche Ifeanyi Henry, director of Nigeria’s National Cyber Crime Centre (NCCC), recently told the BBC that the government has invested heavily in a state-of-the-art cyber-crime centre to address this problem.

The incident highlights the ongoing challenges of cybersecurity in Nigeria, particularly for high-profile individuals, and the need for increased vigilance and security measures.

Zambian Ex-First Lady Maureen Mwanawasa Passes Away at 61

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Maureen Mwanawasa, Zambia’s former First Lady, has died at the age of 61. She passed away late Tuesday after a brief illness at a hospital in Lusaka, according to her family.

Mrs. Mwanawasa was the wife of Zambia’s third President, Levy Mwanawasa, who served from 2002 until his death in 2008. President Hakainde Hichilema described her death as a “deep shock” to the nation.

A trained lawyer, Mrs. Mwanawasa was known for her advocacy in social justice, community development, and public health issues. She co-owned a law firm with her husband before his entry into politics and played an active role in his successful 2001 presidential campaign.

Following her husband’s death, Mrs. Mwanawasa did not pursue the presidency but unsuccessfully ran for mayor of Lusaka in 2016. Her political affiliation at the time of her death was unclear.

Mrs. Mwanawasa was a founding member and former president of the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS, now known as the Organisation of African First Ladies for Development. Her community work earned her several accolades, including the 2006 International Hope Award from World Vision.

Nevers Sekwila Mumba, leader of the opposition Movement for Multiparty Democracy (MMD), praised her legacy of “hardworking, kindness, compassion, and dedication to our nation.”

President Hichilema called for national unity, urging Zambians to “join her family, and indeed the nation, in prayer” during this time of mourning.

Mrs. Mwanawasa’s passing marks the end of an era in Zambian politics and philanthropy, leaving a legacy of public service and advocacy for social causes.

Kenyan Journalist Rukia Bulle Wins 2024 BBC Komla Dumor Award

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Kenyan journalist Rukia Bulle, 26, has been named the recipient of the 2024 BBC News Komla Dumor Award. Bulle, who works for Kenya’s Nation Media Group, is the ninth winner of this prestigious award.

“I hope this award inspires young girls like me, who wear the hijab,” says Rukia Bulle

Specializing in human interest stories, Bulle has also gained popularity on TikTok for her relatable and informative content about life as a journalist. The award judges were impressed by her resilience in handling challenging stories, her focus on highlighting under-represented voices, and her strong on-air presence.

The Komla Dumor Award, established in memory of the late Ghanaian BBC World News presenter who passed away in 2014 at 41, aims to continue Dumor’s legacy of presenting nuanced narratives about Africa to a global audience.

Bulle expressed her gratitude, stating, “Winning this award means a great deal to me. I hope this award inspires young girls like me, who wear the hijab and come from minority communities, to dream big and achieve their goals.”

A year before his death, Komla Dumor featured in New African magazine’s list of the 100 most influential Africans

As part of the award, Bulle will spend three months working with BBC News teams across television, radio, and online in London. She will receive training and mentorship from leading BBC journalists and travel to an African country to report on a story for BBC’s global audiences.

Tarik Kafala, acting director of the BBC World Service, praised the award’s role in nurturing journalistic talent across Africa. Previous recipients of the award include Paa Kwesi Asare, Dingindaba Jonah Buyoya, and Victoria Rubadiri, among others.

Bulle’s win highlights the continuing efforts to promote diverse voices in international journalism and showcases the talent emerging from Kenya’s media landscape.

A bbc story

At Least 68 Killed in Sudan as Heavy Rainfall Adds to the Country’s Woes

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KHARTOUM, Sudan – The ongoing rainy season in Sudan has turned deadly, claiming at least 68 lives as torrential downpours continue to batter the country, already ravaged by conflict and instability. The interior ministry reported on Tuesday that the relentless rains have caused shelters to collapse and neighborhoods to flood, further deepening the humanitarian crisis in this war-torn nation.

The severe weather comes as Sudan grapples with an ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The conflict, which shows no signs of abating, has already created one of the world’s largest displacement crises, pushing the population into dire conditions.

Administrative hurdles, security challenges, and significant under-funding have led to “aid delays” in many parts of the country, making it nearly impossible to reach those in need.

The heavy rains, the worst since 2019, have impacted areas in the west, north, and east of Sudan, where 10.7 million people are currently displaced. Many of these individuals are living in camps, makeshift shelters, or stranded in open areas, exposed to the elements.

Among the hardest-hit regions are Famine-stricken Zamzam camp in North Darfur, home to 500,000 people, and the eastern states of Kassala and al-Gedaref, where thousands have fled RSF advances. These regions are now facing further devastation as floodwaters wash away what little remains of the residents’ homes and livelihoods.

According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), more than 44,000 people have been newly displaced by the ongoing rains since June 1. The floods have compounded the suffering of millions already displaced by the conflict, exacerbating the strain on local and international relief efforts.

“Families are losing what little they have left, and critical infrastructure has been washed away, disrupting vital humanitarian aid,” said Mohamed Refaat, IOM’s representative in Sudan, on Tuesday. Refaat added that 73,000 people across 11 of Sudan’s 18 states are currently affected by the floods.

Preliminary assessments suggest that over 12,000 homes have been fully or partially destroyed due to the heavy rains. Additionally, 198,000 hectares of farmland have been damaged, threatening food security in a country where hunger is already widespread.

The situation is particularly dire in the north-east of Sudan, where the rains have been the most intense, compounding the damage in areas already on the brink of collapse.

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