IPOB Leader Simon Ekpa Arrested in Finland.

IPOB Leader Simon Ekpa Arrested in Finland: Military Seeks Extradition

 

The Nigerian military has called for the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a leader of a faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his arrest by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Ekpa, who was detained for spreading terrorist propaganda via social media, faces accusations from the Nigerian government of inciting violent secessionist movements in the South-east, which have resulted in numerous deaths and severe economic disruption in the region.

 

Ekpa’s Arrest and the Charges Against Him

 

Ekpa, self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, was taken into custody in Finland after being linked to violent activities in Nigeria. Alongside Ekpa, four other individuals were arrested in connection with deadly violence in southeastern Nigeria. A statement from Finland’s Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests, stating that the primary suspect, a Finnish-Nigerian, was detained under suspicion of “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.” The statement also revealed that the other suspects were accused of financing these activities.

 

The Nigerian military praised the arrest as a positive step in combating terrorism, with Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, acknowledging the vital role of international cooperation. Buba expressed appreciation for Finland’s support in addressing terrorism, a sentiment echoed by Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, who emphasized that the next move would be to secure Ekpa’s extradition to face justice in Nigeria.

 

Ekpa’s Rise to Prominence and Alleged Crimes

 

Ekpa gained notoriety after the arrest of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu in July 2021, declaring himself a leader of the faction known as Autopilot IPOB. Based in Finland, Ekpa has been implicated in several violent acts carried out by armed groups associated with his faction, such as the Biafra Defence Forces and the Biafra Liberation Army. These militant wings have been linked to a series of violent incidents in southeastern Nigeria.

 

One notable incident involved the killing of four police officers in Owerri, Imo State, in July 2021, which Ekpa later took credit for. He celebrated the killings on social media, referring to the police as “terrorists” and claiming that his group had “neutralized” them and seized their weapons.

 

Ekpa’s calls for violence and his leadership of secessionist groups have drawn widespread condemnation. His sit-at-home campaigns, aimed at advancing the Biafran cause, have crippled economic activities in the region and caused significant loss of life.

 

Calls for Extradition and Repatriation

 

The Nigerian government has long sought Ekpa’s extradition, with key figures such as Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State urging the House of Representatives to facilitate his return to Nigeria for prosecution. Similarly, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has expressed frustration over the Finnish government’s refusal to act on Nigeria’s requests for Ekpa’s repatriation.

 

In the past year, the Nigerian Senate called for greater collaboration between Nigeria and Finland on the matter. The apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council Worldwide, also joined the calls for Ekpa’s swift repatriation.

 

During a visit to Nigeria in August 2024, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, revealed that Finland had engaged with Nigerian authorities about Ekpa’s case. She assured that the matter was being addressed within Finland’s judicial system, but noted that the process would take time.

 

 

As the Nigerian military and various organizations continue to press for Simon Ekpa extradition, all eyes will be on Finland’s judicial proceedings. The case is expected to have far-reaching implications for both international cooperation in counterterrorism efforts and the ongoing political tensions surrounding the Biafran secessionist movement. With Ekpa’s arrest and the mounting pressure for his repatriation, it remains to be seen how this complex legal and diplomatic situation will unfold.