by
– –
The general government has confirmed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and a leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on Thursday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on Friday in Abuja.
He said that Ekpa was arrested on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.
– –
Join Our WhatsApp Group
Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.
Ekpa, a Finnish politician and Biafran political activist, was reported to have in 2022 declared activation of Biafran government in exile and himself leader in 2023 while in exile.
“The ministry wishes to confirm the arrest of Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed IPOB, by Finnish authorities on Thursday, Nov. 21.
“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 Finnish authorities alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage illegal actions, which had caused significant disruptions in the southeast of Nigeria.
– –
“Finnish investigators had also linked him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to have been fuelled by his online activities.
“The arrest of Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland to take action against his activities, linked to violence and instability in the southeast of Nigeria.”
It explained that the request for action featured during high-level engagements between the two countries.
It described the arrest of Ekpa as a significant development in tackling the activities of IPOB and neutralising the influence of transnational actors and their impact on national security.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” he said.
Peace to Southeast – Enugu government
– –
The Enugu State Government has lauded the arrest of Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities.
Join Our WhatsApp Group
Don’t miss out on any real-time information. Join our WhatsApp group to stay updated.
It described Ekpa as a “terrorist and criminal” with no regard for the well-being of the Igbo people.
A statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, expressed the administration’s readiness to present evidence against Ekpa, who the government accused of exploiting and destabilising the South-East region.
The Finland-based separatist was arrested and remanded in custody by a district court in Lahti on charges of terrorism, a development that the state government believes will enhance peace and stability in the region.
The statement read, “The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt strengthen peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South-East.”
The statement accused Ekpa of creating a climate of fear and destruction in the region, harming lives and property while undermining the Igbo spirit of entrepreneurship and resilience.
It added, “Ekpa has, for too long and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege mentality in the South-East.
“He thrives on manipulating and extorting the people under the pretence of fighting for their interests and the restoration of Biafra.”
The state government pledged to cooperate with Finnish authorities to ensure Ekpa faces justice for his alleged actions, which include inciting violence and fostering instability in the South-East.
Intel Region News is on WhatsApp!
Share News with us via Email:
:
– –
