Raphael Oni
In a significant development, Finnish authorities have arrested Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The arrest follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland to take action against Ekpa’s activities, which were linked to violence and instability in the South-East of Nigeria.
According to a press statement released by Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ekpa was detained by the Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent. Finnish investigators alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage illegal actions, which had caused significant disruptions in the South-East of Nigeria.
The Nigerian government had been pushing for Ekpa’s arrest, citing his role in fueling violence and instability in the region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the arrest as a “significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB, and also neutralizing the influence of transnational actors and their impact on our national security”.
Ekpa’s arrest is seen as a response to diplomatic pressure from Nigeria, with the Finnish government finally taking action against his activities. The development is likely to be welcomed by the Nigerian government, which has been seeking to curb Ekpa’s influence and activities.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has stated that it will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.
