The Enugu State government has expressed its approval of the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile.
This commendation was articulated in a statement released by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the State Government.
In the statement, Onyia characterized Ekpa as a “common criminal, con man, and terrorist” lacking genuine concern for the Igbo people. The government believes that Ekpa’s detention will significantly contribute to enhancing peace, security, and stability in the South East region of Nigeria.
The statement highlighted the following key points:
Ekpa’s Criminal Profile: The Enugu State government condemned Ekpa’s actions, describing him as a “megalomaniac” and “murderer” who exploits the emotions of the Igbo people while causing distress in the region. It accused him of creating a climate of fear and destruction that undermines the entrepreneurial spirit of the Igbo community.
Arrest Details: Simon Ekpa was apprehended on November 21, 2024, by Finnish authorities on charges related to terrorism. He was remanded by the Päijät-Häme District Court for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda via social media platforms, with specific incidents linked to his activities occurring in 2021 in Lahti municipality.
Government’s Stance: The Enugu State administration reiterated its commitment to cooperating with Finnish authorities to ensure that Ekpa faces justice for his alleged crimes, which include inciting violence and fostering instability in Southeast Nigeria.
International Context: The arrest aligns with ongoing diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government to curb Ekpa’s influence, which has been associated with significant unrest in Nigeria’s South-East region. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that sustained pressure from Nigeria led to this action against Ekpa.
Broader Implications: The arrest is seen as a crucial step in addressing activities linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group that has been involved in separatist movements and has been classified as a terrorist organization by Nigerian authorities.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation also detained four other individuals alongside Ekpa on suspicion of financing terrorist activities. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing struggle against separatist violence and unrest in Nigeria’s southeastern region.
