HRM King Igwilo, identifying himself as Eze Ndigbo South Africa, has urged the estimated 50 million Biafrans who participated in a referendum allegedly conducted by Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), to travel to Finland and demand his release.
Ekpa who was arrested alongside four others by Finnish police on charges of incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, had claimed that 50 millions have already voted for Biafra referendum.
The Finnish authorities allege that Ekpa has been promoting violence against civilians and government officials in southeastern Nigeria through social media, leading to significant unrest in the region. According to Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen from the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Ekpa’s activities are suspected of inciting violent crimes and other offenses against property in Nigeria. The police have not disclosed the specific amounts involved in financing these alleged terrorist activities but confirmed that four individuals are under investigation for their roles in supporting Ekpa’s actions financially.
In his video statement, King Igwilo criticized celebrations by Nigerian military forces and dismissed claims of fake news circulating on social media, which he believes distract from the real issues at hand. He called for Biafrans worldwide to unite and travel to Finland to advocate for Ekpa’s release, emphasizing the need for solidarity among supporters of the Biafran cause.
Simon Ekpa is a prominent figure within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement, known for advocating sit-at-home protests as a means of showing support for Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of IPOB. His social media presence has been instrumental in mobilizing followers, although it has also drawn criticism for contributing to violence and economic disruption in southeastern Nigeria. Following his arrest, Nigerian officials expressed their intent to pursue Ekpa’s extradition despite his Finnish citizenship.
The situation surrounding Ekpa’s arrest is complex, with analysts expressing skepticism about the likelihood of extradition due to Finland’s legal obligations and lack of an extradition treaty with Nigeria. Concerns have also been raised regarding potential human rights violations if he were to be returned to Nigeria.
The Nigerian government has welcomed the arrest as a step towards addressing the challenges posed by separatist movements and has promised to monitor ongoing legal proceedings closely. Enugu State officials have described Ekpa as a criminal who exploits his people’s struggles for personal gain and have offered to provide evidence against him should he face trial either in Finland or Nigeria.
As this situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how it will impact the broader Biafran movement and whether it will lead to increased tensions in southeastern Nigeria.
