By Nigerian authorities indicated Thursday they would seek the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based separatist leader arrested on terrorism charges, as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) publicly distanced itself from the controversial figure amid escalating violence in southeastern Nigeria.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed Ekpa’s arrest along with four others on charges of terrorist activities and financing, marking a significant development in Nigeria’s efforts to curb separatist violence. Ekpa, who describes himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, faces accusations of using social media to incite violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.
“The Chief of Defence Staff 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,” said Defense Information Director Brigadier General Tukur Gusau. The military has repeatedly accused Ekpa of sponsoring terrorism through the Eastern Security Network (ESN), IPOB’s paramilitary wing.
IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful emphatically rejected any connection to Ekpa, stating, “We have reiterated on several occasions that Ekpa had no relationship with the IPOB from the formation to date and he had nothing in common with the Biafra struggle.” The organization’s political wing called for his immediate extradition to face charges for violence that has claimed numerous lives and destroyed billions in property.
The District Court of Päijät-Häme ordered Ekpa’s imprisonment “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” according to Finnish authorities. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen noted that Ekpa’s social media activities had “led to violence against civilians and authorities” in southeastern Nigeria.
The arrest follows months of escalating violence in Nigeria’s southeast, where enforced sit-at-home orders and attacks on security forces have disrupted daily life. Just this week, gunmen enforcing such orders killed five people in Anambra State’s Central Senatorial Zone, including three vigilantes in Abatete community.
Former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode welcomed the arrest, describing Ekpa as “a feral psychopath” who “waged war on our nation from the safety of Finland.” Bashir Ahmad, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, called for Ekpa’s extradition after serving any sentence in Finland.
Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala indicated that President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu await official briefing on the arrest through diplomatic channels. The development comes as Ekpa’s alleged mentor, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, remains in Department of State Services custody since 2021 facing terrorism charges.
The Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo socio-cultural organization, expressed cautious interest in the arrest details while emphasizing their priority remains Kanu’s release. Chief Dubem Silas stated the group opposes unlawful activities but maintains Kanu’s detention is unjustified given court orders for his release.
Punchng.com
