The Federal Government has revealed that the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, followed sustained diplomatic efforts by Nigeria on Finnish authorities.
Ekpa was apprehended on Thursday alongside four others by Finnish authorities on charges of terrorism and incitement to violence.
The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme has ordered his detention on probable cause, citing his alleged involvement in inciting violence through social media.
In a statement on Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed Ekpa’s arrest and reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to monitoring the legal proceedings.
The Ministry’s spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, described the development as a significant step in addressing the activities of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and curbing the influence of transnational actors undermining Nigeria’s security.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to confirm the arrest of Mr Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and a prominent leader of IPOB, by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21, 2024,” Ebienfa stated.
“He was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish court ruled to detain him for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.”
Ebienfa further emphasized the importance of the arrest in neutralizing IPOB’s operations and safeguarding Nigeria’s national security, adding that updates would be provided as the case progresses.
Defence Headquarters Lauds Finnish Authorities
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters also commended Finland for Ekpa’s arrest, describing it as a major breakthrough in the fight against terrorism.
Speaking separately, Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, and Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, hailed the action as evidence of international collaboration.
“The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has expressed satisfaction with Simon Ekpa’s arrest. He views this as a step towards his extradition to Nigeria, where he will face justice,” Gusau said.
Buba echoed similar sentiments, highlighting that the arrest signifies global support for Nigeria’s anti-terrorism efforts.
“The international community is in synergy with Nigeria’s efforts to fight terrorism. The CDS has consistently called for Ekpa’s arrest due to his role in fueling terrorism in Southeastern Nigeria,” he stated.
Background of Simon Ekpa’s Activities
Simon Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen, has long been on Nigeria’s radar for using social media to propagate IPOB’s separatist agenda.
He was declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters on March 23, 2024, for inciting violence in the South-East region.
The offences, according to Finnish authorities, date back to August 23, 2021, and include financial crimes linked to questionable fundraising activities.
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