Chukwuma Ezeala: Simon Ekpa’s Arrest Won’t Guarantee Peace In Southeast, Government Must Identify His Disciples

Lawyer Chukwuma Ezeala has expressed caution over the potential for Simon Ekpa’s arrest to restore peace in Nigeria’s Southeast, noting that it is only one step in a much larger process.

In an interview with Arise News, Ezeala stated that the situation in the region remains complex and fragile, noting that Ekpa, like his predecessor Nnamdi Kanu, has cultivated a following.

“Unfortunately, this has taken some time. When Nnamdi started, he had disciples. Also, this time, Simon Ekpa has disciples,” Ezeala said.

He highlighted the crucial role of the government in identifying and dismantling the network of Ekpa’s supporters in the Southeast. “It’s a question of the government trying to identify the disciples in the Southeast because if you don’t identify them and dislodge them, it may even get worse,” he warned.

Ezeala emphasised the complexity of Ekpa’s legal situation, particularly regarding his extradition to Nigeria.

While Ekpa has been charged with terrorism, which spans both national and international jurisdictions, the lack of a bilateral agreement between Nigeria and Finland complicates the process.

Ezeala explained, “This is not a court of law to say Ekpa is guilty or not. He is charged and arrested for terrorism, this time international terrorism. The question becomes, is it an issue in which he can be extradited to Nigeria? Nigeria has led the complaints.”

However, Ezeala clarified that despite the absence of a bilateral treaty, Ekpa could still be extradited based on international conventions and the Rome Statute, which all signatory countries, including Finland, must adhere to. “Terrorism, for us all, is an international crime by the Rome Statute.

“All countries that are signatories to the Rome Statute must cooperate in the punishments, arrests, and prevention of terrorism,” he added.

Further explaining the intricacies of extradition, Ezeala stated that under international law, Ekpa could face trial in both Nigeria and Finland.

Yet, he noted that to secure an extradition, it would require satisfying Finland’s legal system that Ekpa’s actions qualify as crimes both in Finland and Nigeria. “For you to extradite, there should be a bilateral agreement, and from all indications, Nigeria does not have a bilateral agreement with Finland,” Ezeala noted.

“However, since it’s an international crime, he can still be extradited to Nigeria based on international conventions and the Rome Statute.”

Ezeala also addressed concerns about the social media donations supporting Ekpa’s activities. When asked whether donors could face legal repercussions, he said, “It’s very possible that they can become part of the bigger case, depending on the conditions upon which they are donating.

“For instance, you know someone is committing, or you suspect they are committing a crime, and you join that person to perpetrate or finance it. Certainly, you are likely going to go in for it. A crime is a crime. But all these are issues of evidence.”

Ezeala also raised the possibility that Ekpa’s extradition could be blocked due to concerns over Nigeria’s human rights record. “If Finland’s government feels Nigeria does not respect human rights, it may be difficult for the Finnish government to agree to extradite him to Nigeria,” he noted.

In conclusion, Ezeala stressed that lasting peace in the Southeast will depend on the government’s ability to dismantle the network of support for figures like Ekpa.

Boluwatife Enome

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