Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Biafran separatist movement, has been reportedly arrested by the Finnish government, and the Nigeria Defence Authority welcomed the development The Finish authorities are accusing Ekpa of inciting terrorism in Nigeria, and he has been charged to court and remanded for the same reason
The Nigeria Defence Authority has reacted to the development and hinted at the possibility of Ekpa being repatriated to Nigeria
Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Biafran separatist movement, has been arrested by Finnish authorities on suspicion of inciting terrorist acts.
This move has been hailed by Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters, which had previously declared Ekpa wanted for terrorism, kidnapping, and other crimes.
Ekpa, who represents the National Coalition Party on Lahti’s public transport committee, has been accused of using social media to incite violence and unrest in southeastern Nigeria. The arrest is a significant development in the ongoing tensions between Nigeria and the Biafran separatist movement.
The secessionist has been a vocal advocate for the secession of the Southeast and parts of neighbouring states from Nigeria to form a sovereign Biafra nation.
His tactics have included enforcing an illegal stay-at-home order every Monday in the region, leading to huge economic disruption as residents comply out of fear of violence.
Nigerian authorities condemned Ekpa’s activities
According to Leadership, Ekpa’s activities have been widely condemned by Nigerian authorities, who have accused him of financing terrorism and causing violence in the Southeast region.
The Nigerian government has previously called for Ekpa’s extradition from Finland, but Finnish authorities had declined, citing concerns about Ekpa’s safety and human rights
The Biafran separatist movement has been active since the 1960s, with Ekpa emerging as a prominent leader in recent years. His arrest may have significant implications for the movement and its future direction. It remains to be seen how Ekpa’s supporters will respond to his arrest and whether it will lead to increased tensions in the region.
Ekpa’s case has also raised questions about the role of foreign governments in supporting or enabling separatist movements. The Nigerian government has accused Finland and the European Union of allowing Ekpa to continue his activities, which they say are destabilizing the Southeast region.
Simon Ekpa’s first arrest by Finnish authorities Legit.ng earlier reported that the factional pro-Biafra separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, has been released by Finnish police authority after hours of interrogation.
Following his release, Ekpa took to his Twitter page to host a live broadcast and celebrate the first sit-at-home order he issued, as he sang Finland’s national anthem while holding its flag.
Ekpa is a citizen of Finland of Nigerian origin who has been making inciting comments against Nigeria’s government and calling for election boycott in the southeast region.
