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FINLAND COURT HANDS DOWN 6-YEAR PRISON SENTENCE TO SIMON EKPA FOR TERRORISM OFFENSES

Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafra activist, has been sentenced to six years in prison by a Finnish court for his involvement in terrorism-related activities. The court’s ruling found Ekpa guilty of supporting armed groups and inciting violence in Nigeria’s southeast region through his online activities. Between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa allegedly provided weapons, explosives, and ammunition to armed groups and used social media to promote violence and independence for the Biafra region. These actions were deemed a serious threat to regional stability and constituted participation in a terrorist organization. In addition to terrorism charges, Ekpa was also convicted of aggravated tax fraud and violating the Attorneys Act. The court’s decision reflects the severity of the offenses and the strong evidence presented against him. The six-year prison sentence handed down to Ekpa underscores the gravity of his crimes and serves as a warning to others who engage in similar activities. The judgment highlights the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions and promoting regional stability and security.

KILLER OF IDAHO STUDENTS SENTENCED TO LIFE IN PRISON WITHOUT PAROLE

A judge has sentenced Bryan Kohberger, the killer of four Idaho college students, to life in prison with no chance of parole. The sentence was handed down after Kohberger declined to explain his motives for the brutal murders. Judge Steven Hippler described Kohberger as a “coward” who had “slithered” into a home in Moscow, Idaho, and fatally stabbed the four victims. “He handed down four life sentences, saying they would run consecutively,” the judge said. Kohberger, 30, agreed to a plea deal that allowed him to avoid the death penalty for the fatal stabbings of the four University of Idaho students on November 13, 2022. The victims’ family members, close followers of the case, and even President Trump had wanted Kohberger to explain his motives, but he chose not to. Judge Hippler said he could not legally force Kohberger to speak, but expressed his own views on the killer’s actions. The sentence marks the end of a case that has shocked the nation and left many questions unanswered.

FORMER KENTUCKY POLICE OFFICER BRETT HANKISON SENTENCED TO 33 MONTHS IN PRISON FOR ROLE IN BREONNA TAYLOR’S DEATH

A former Kentucky police officer, Brett Hankison, has been sentenced to 33 months in prison for violating the civil rights of Breonna Taylor, a black woman who was fatally shot in her home during a botched police raid in 2020. Hankison was convicted last year of using excessive force during the raid, which resulted in Taylor’s death. The sentencing comes days after the Trump administration asked the judge to give Hankison a one-day sentence, a recommendation that was met with criticism from Taylor’s family and their lawyers. “Every American who believes in equal justice under the law should be outraged,” the family’s lawyers said. “Recommending just one day in prison sends the unmistakable message that white officers can violate the civil rights of Black Americans with near-total impunity.” Tamika Palmer, Taylor’s mother, expressed mixed feelings about the sentence, saying, “I think the judge did the best she could with what she had to work with.” However, she was critical of federal prosecutors who had argued for a lesser sentence. Kenneth Walker, Taylor’s boyfriend who was in the apartment with her the night of the raid, said he was “grateful for the small piece of justice that we got.” The raid was sparked by a “no-knock” search warrant, which allowed officers to enter Taylor’s home without announcing themselves. Hankison fired 10 shots into Taylor’s apartment, claiming he was protecting fellow officers. However, prosecutors argued that he acted recklessly and “violated one of the most fundamental rules of deadly force: If they cannot see the person they’re shooting at, they cannot pull the trigger.” The case has been closely watched, with many seeing it as a test of accountability for police officers who violate citizens’ civil rights. The sentencing is a rare instance of a police officer being held accountable for their actions, and it has been met with a mix of relief and frustration from the community. The Trump administration’s recommendation for a lenient sentence has also sparked controversy, with many criticizing the department’s decision to downplay Hankison’s role in Taylor’s death. “His use of deadly force was unlawful and put Ms Taylor in harm’s way,” Attorney General Merrick Garland said after Hankison’s conviction. “This verdict is an important step toward accountability for the violation of Breonna Taylor’s civil rights, but justice for the loss of Ms Taylor is a task that exceeds human capacity.”

GOSPEL SINGER OLUWATIMILEYIN AJAYI SENTENCED TO DEATH FOR BRUTAL MURDER OF NYSC MEMBER

A High Court in Lafia, Nasarawa State, has sentenced gospel singer Oluwatimileyin Ajayi to death by hanging for the murder and dismemberment of Salome Adaidu, a 24-year-old National Youth Service Corps member. Justice Simon Aboki delivered the judgment, finding Ajayi guilty of culpable homicide under Section 221 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria. According to Justice Aboki, “The evidence before the court clearly shows that the accused intentionally caused the death of the deceased. The law is clear on this, and the punishment is death. Therefore, the accused is hereby sentenced to death by hanging.” Ajayi was arrested in January after being caught with Adaidu’s severed head. He confessed to the crime, stating that he killed her due to their lack of quality time together and her alleged infidelity. “I killed her because we don’t have each other all the time… She was cheating. She hides most of the things from me most times. I got to know from her phone. I saw her chats with other guys on the phone, that was why I decided,” Ajayi said during an interview. The court’s decision has sparked discussions on violence and safety in the region, particularly involving young adults and students serving in various capacities. The Nasarawa State Government has, however, shown commitment to improving educational infrastructure, with the governor ordering the procurement of over 15,000 chairs and desks for public primary schools. Meanwhile, the police are actively pursuing perpetrators behind the recent killing of a female farmer in Ondo, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures in rural areas. The Emir of Lafia has also praised the current administration’s transformative efforts, drawing parallels with developments in Lagos.

FORMER NEW JERSEY SENATOR BOB MENENDEZ SENTENCED TO 11 YEARS IN PRISON FOR BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION

Former New Jersey Democratic Senator Bob Menendez was sentenced to 11 years in prison on Wednesday, following his conviction on bribery and corruption charges. Menendez, who was found guilty of 16 felony counts, took cash, a Mercedes Benz, and gold bars as bribes in exchange for helping three businessmen and the Egyptian government. District Judge Sidney Stein stated, “The public cannot be led to the belief that you can get away with bribery, fraud, and betrayal.” Stein added, “I don’t know what led you to this – greed was certainly part of it… But that can’t be it, I don’t think that explains everything. Hubris was part of it, I don’t know. You’ll have to try to figure that out yourself over time.” Menendez tearfully addressed the court, saying, “You have before you a chastened man… Other than family, I have lost everything I ever cared about… For someone who spent his entire life in public service, every day I’m awake is a punishment.” However, outside the court, Menendez criticized the prosecutors, stating, “Only in the Southern District of New York would prosecutors allow a witness to walk away from over 10 criminal charges… Welcome to the Southern District of New York, the wild west of political prosecutions.” He also appealed to the White House, saying, “I hope President Trump cleans up the cesspool and restores the integrity to the system.” Menendez’s attorney, Adam Fee, argued that the former senator deserved credit for his decades of public service, stating, “For nearly 50 years he’s been a tireless servant of his community, his state, and his country… Despite his decades of service, he is known more widely as ‘Gold Bar Bob.’” Prosecutors had asked for a sentence of at least 15 years in prison, citing Menendez’s abuse of power and breach of public trust. Paul Monteleoni argued, “He absolutely did some good in his time of government, of course… But using his power to help people, it’s what he was supposed to do. It’s what he was elected to do.” Two others involved in the corruption scheme, real estate developer Fred Daibes and Wael Hana, who runs a halal certification business, were also sentenced to seven and eight years in prison, respectively. Jose Uribe, who pleaded guilty and testified against the three men, will be sentenced later this year.