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The Federal Government of Nigeria has provided insight into the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and a prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities.
Mr. Ekpa was arrested on Thursday, November 21, 2024, on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.
Finnish authorities allege that Mr. Ekpa used social media to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage illegal activities, resulting in significant disruptions in Nigeria’s South-East region.
His online activities were also linked to violent incidents in the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Mr. Ekpa’s arrest came after sustained diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government to urge Finland to act against his activities.
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The matter had been a consistent topic in high-level discussions between the two nations, as Mr. Ekpa’s actions were seen as contributing to instability and insecurity in Nigeria.
Speaking on the arrest, the Acting Spokesperson for the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, stated that it marks a significant step in curbing IPOB’s activities and neutralizing the influence of transnational actors undermining Nigeria’s national security.
“This arrest demonstrates the effectiveness of diplomatic engagements in addressing threats to national security. The Ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings closely and provide updates as the case progresses,” the statement read.
Mr. Ekpa, who faces legal proceedings in Finland, is accused of crimes with terrorist intent, with Finnish investigators asserting that his actions violated international and domestic laws.
The Nigerian government views this development as a crucial step toward ensuring peace and stability in the South-East region.
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