The Federal Government of Nigeria has said that the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in-Exile, followed sustained diplomatic pressure on Finland by Nigeria.
Ekpa was arrested alongside four others on Thursday on suspicion of terrorist activities. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme has ruled to keep him in detention on probable cause, citing his alleged involvement in inciting violence through social media.
In a statement issued by the Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs and obtained by ArmadaNews on Friday, the Nigerian government said it is closely monitoring the legal proceedings of Ekpa.
The statement signed by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said : “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to confirm the arrest of Mr Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21, 2024.”
The ministry said it would continue to track the progress of Ekpa’s legal case, pointing out the importance of the proceedings in addressing the influence of IPOB and 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 Ministry wishes to affirm that the arrest of Mr Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB, and also neutralising the influence of transnational actors and their impact on our national security.
“The Ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the ministry added.
Meanwhile, the Defence Headquarters has commended Finnish authorities for the arrest, describing it as a key victory in the anti-terror fight.
In their separate statements, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, and the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau , described Ekpa’s arrest as a key victory in the anti-terror fight.
“CDS 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,” Gusau said.
On his part, Buba said that Ekpa’s arrest is an indication that the international community is in synergy with Nigeria in its efforts to fight terrorism.
“The CDS has always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following is deep involvement in fueling terrorism in SE Nigeria.
“We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigerian in our fight against terrorism.”
The Defence Headquarters had on March 23 declared Ekpa wanted for inciting violence in the South-East part of Nigeria.
He was accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
The court alleged that the offences dated back to August 23, 2021.
Also, Finland authorities had in the past, investigated Ekpa for alleged financial crimes and collecting funds through questionable means.