Simon Ekpa, a leader of the proscribed IPOB, has been arrested in Finland for alleged incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. Nigerian authorities welcome his detention as a step toward extradition, aiming to hold him accountable for promoting violence in southeastern Nigeria through social media platforms.
Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure associated with the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been arrested in Finland on allegations of incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. The Päijät-Häme District Court confirmed his detention following Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) investigations.
Authorities accuse Ekpa of leveraging his position within IPOB to encourage violence against civilians and government entities in southeastern Nigeria. Finnish investigators allege he coordinated these activities from Finland, utilizing his social media channels as a platform to incite unrest.
Nigeria’s military leaders have long advocated for Ekpa’s apprehension and extradition, holding him responsible for promoting chaos and unrest. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed satisfaction with Ekpa’s arrest, seeing it as a significant step toward justice.
Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, emphasized Ekpa’s deep involvement in fueling terrorism, highlighting Nigeria's collaborative efforts with international authorities to address such threats.
Ekpa, who also holds Finnish citizenship, has a history of controversy. He was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released the same day. Additionally, he has openly supported election boycotts in Nigeria and justified acts of violence, further complicating his international image.
Ekpa’s arrest signifies a breakthrough for Nigerian authorities in their fight against terrorism and reflects the importance of global cooperation in tackling such issues.
