The Federal Government on Friday attributed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in-Exile, to sustained diplomatic pressure on Finland by Nigeria.
Ekpa was arrested alongside four others on Thursday on suspicion of terrorist activities. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme has ruled to keep him in detention on probable cause, citing his alleged involvement in inciting violence through social media.
A day after his arrest, the Nigerian government says it is closely monitoring the legal proceedings of Ekpa.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to confirm the arrest of Mr Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21, 2024,” spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said in a statement.
The ministry said it would continue to track the progress of Ekpa’s legal case, emphasising the importance of the proceedings in addressing the influence of IPOB and transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.
“He was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.
“The Ministry wishes to affirm that the arrest of Mr Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB, and also neutralising the influence of transnational actors and their impact on our national security.
“The Ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement added.
Shortly after Ekpa’s arrest became a public item, the Defence Headquarters applauded Finnish authorities for the action.
The Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, and the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau in their separate statement, described the arrest as a key victory in the anti-terror fight.
The spokespersons said the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has expressed happiness over Ekpa’s arrest.
“CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” Gusau said on Thursday.
Similarly, Buba said that Ekpa’s arrest is an indication that the international community is in synergy with Nigeria in its efforts to fight terrorism.
“The CDS has always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following is deep involvement in fueling terrorism in SE Nigeria,” Buba said.
“We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigerian in our fight against terrorism.”
The Defence Headquarters had on March 23 declared Ekpa wanted for inciting violence in the South-East part of Nigeria.
The separatist leader was accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
The court alleged that the offences dated back to August 23, 2021.
Finland authorities have also investigated Ekpa in the past for alleged financial crimes, including the collection of funds through questionable means.
