The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced its active monitoring of the ongoing legal case against Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ekpa was arrested in Finland on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through its acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Friday in Abuja.
“The ministry wishes to confirm the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed IPOB, by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21,” the statement read.
Ekpa, a controversial political figure and self-declared leader of the Biafra Government in Exile, faces charges in Finland’s District Court of Päijät-Häme. Authorities allege that he incited terrorism and promoted violence through social media platforms.
According to Finnish investigators, Ekpa’s online activities were linked to incidents of violence and unrest in Nigeria’s southeast, where his propaganda allegedly fueled illegal actions and societal disruption.
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The Federal Government highlighted that Ekpa’s arrest followed sustained diplomatic engagement between Nigeria and Finland. These discussions emphasized the need for accountability regarding his alleged role in fostering instability in the region.
“The arrest of Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and mitigating the influence of transnational actors threatening Nigeria’s national security,” the ministry stated.
The ministry also revealed that Ekpa’s case had been a priority during high-level diplomatic meetings between both countries, reflecting Nigeria’s commitment to restoring peace in the southeast.
The Federal Government views Ekpa’s arrest as a major step in tackling separatist propaganda and neutralizing threats to Nigeria’s unity. It pledged to keep the public informed as the legal process unfolds.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” Ebienfa added.
