The Federal Government is closely monitoring the ongoing prosecution of the factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, after his arrest in Finland for alleged terrorism and promoting violence.
The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, stated this in a statement on Friday, saying it will be following the progress of Ekpa’s legal case, adding that the importance of the proceedings in addressing the influence of IPOB and transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.
The statement said “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to confirm the arrest of Mr Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
“He 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 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.”
The ministry said it would give more updates on the legal process and ensure that Ekpa’s actions, which have contributed to unrest in Nigeria, are properly addressed under Finnish law.
The government has been exerting diplomatic pressure on Finland to take action against Ekpa’s activities, which have been linked to violent incidents in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Ekpa was detained on Thursday, November 21, 2024, by Finnish authorities, and the Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme has ruled to keep him in detention on probable cause, citing his alleged involvement in inciting violence through social media.
