Ekpa: We’re monitoring Finland trial, says FG

• Enugu welcomes arrest, offers to provide evidence of his atrocities during trial

The Federal Government yesterday said yesterday that it was monitoring the legal proceedings concerning Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Ekpa is a prominent member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the secessionist group led by detained Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

He is also the leader of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), the militant arm of IPOB.

Ekpa and four others were arrested in Finland by the country’s Central Criminal Police early in the week, following which the District Court of Paijat-Hame, Finland, ordered his imprisonment “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”.

He was believed to be the brains behind the sit-at-home order that has been forcing a shut-down of business activities in the Southeast states on Mondays.

The four other suspects arrested with him were reportedly accused of financing terrorism.

A statement issued by the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Ebienfa, yesterday confirmed the arrest and detention of Ekpa, who is wanted in Nigeria for terrorism.

Ekpa was reportedly charged by the Finnish authorities with inciting terrorism and promoting violence in Nigeria.

They accused Ekpa of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence and encourage illegal actions, which had caused significant disruptions in the Southeast. Finnish investigators had also linked him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to have been fueled by his online activities.

Ekpa’s arrest, the statement said, followed sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland to take action against his activities, which were linked to violence and instability in the Southeast.

The request for action, Ebienfa further stated, featured during high level engagements between the two countries.

The state reads in part: “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 wishes to affirm that the arrest of Mr. Simon 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.

“The Ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.”

Enugu hails arrest, says gov’t ready to provide evidence against secessionist

The Enugu State Government yesterday commended the government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Ekpa and his gang members, describing him as a common criminal, a con man and a terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.

The 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.

The foregoing was contained in a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.

The statement reads: “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.

IPOB has also disowned the embattled separatist, saying that it has no relationship with him.