Nigerian Government Confirms Arrest Of Simon Ekpa, Promises To Monitor Legal Proceedings

The arrest of Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa in Finland, has been confirmed by the federal government.

This was as the Enugu State Government has commended the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of the Finland-based alleged leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots, describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.

A statement on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested by Finnish authorities on Thursday.

The ministry promised to continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.

According to the statement, Ekpa 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 Finnish authorities alleged that Mr. 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. Finnish investigators had also linked him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to have been fuelled by his online activities.

The statement said, “The arrest of Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland, to take action against his activities, which were linked to violence and instability in the South-east of Nigeria. The request for action featured during high level engagements between countries.”

The ministry stated that the arrest of 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.”

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.

These were contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South-east.

“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South-east region.

“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.

Michael Olugbode

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