President Bola Tinubu’s administration has commended the Finnish government for arresting and prosecuting Simon Ekpa, a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), in Finland. The Nigerian government emphasized that this development is a significant step toward addressing the activities of IPOB and mitigating the influence of transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian citizen, was apprehended along with four others by Finnish authorities. He faces charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and promoting violence in Nigeria’s South-East region. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme has ordered his detention on probable cause for these allegations.
The arrest followed sustained diplomatic pressure from Nigeria, which had been urging Finland to take action against Ekpa’s activities linked to violence and instability in the South-East. This request was a focal point during high-level engagements between the two countries.
The Nigerian government views Ekpa’s arrest as a pivotal move in curbing the influence of IPOB and its transnational supporters. By addressing the activities of individuals like Ekpa, Nigeria aims to reduce violence and promote stability in the South-East region.
This development underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating activities that threaten national security. The Nigerian government continues to engage with global partners to address challenges posed by transnational actors and ensure the safety and security of its citizens.
