THE Federal Government today credited the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, to sustained diplomatic pressure on Finland by Nigeria.
Ekpa, along with four others, was apprehended on Thursday on suspicion of terrorist activities.
The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme has ordered his detention on probable cause, citing allegations of inciting violence via social media.
Following the arrest, the Nigerian government stated it is closely monitoring the legal proceedings against Ekpa.
In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrest, noting that Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and a prominent figure in the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was taken into custody by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
The ministry emphasized the significance of the arrest in addressing IPOB’s activities and the impact of 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 statement read.
The ministry added that it will continue to track the progress of Ekpa’s case and provide updates as it develops.
Defence Headquarters Welcomes the Arrest
The Defence Headquarters lauded Finnish authorities for Ekpa’s arrest, calling it a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, and Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, in separate statements, described the arrest as a critical victory.
General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), expressed satisfaction with the development and voiced hope for Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria to face justice.
“The CDS is pleased with his arrest in Finland and hopes it marks a step toward his extradition to Nigeria,” Gusau stated on Thursday.
Buba added that the arrest underscores international cooperation in combating terrorism, stating, “The CDS has consistently called for Ekpa’s apprehension due to his role in fueling terrorism in southeastern Nigeria. We are glad the international community is working with Nigeria in this fight.”
Ekpa was declared wanted by Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters on March 23 for inciting violence in the Southeast. Authorities accused him of using social media to propagate separatist ideology linked to IPOB, which advocates for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
The charges reportedly date back to August 23, 2021.
Finland had previously investigated Ekpa for alleged financial crimes, including raising funds through questionable methods.