How Nigerian Government Pressured Finland to Arrest Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafra agitator, was recently arrested in Finland following sustained diplomatic pressure from the Nigerian government. Finnish authorities linked him to violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria, marking a significant move against transnational actors influencing unrest in the country.

Diplomatic Pressure Leading to Arrest

According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for Nigeria’s Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Simon Ekpa’s arrest was the result of consistent diplomatic efforts by Nigerian officials. The request for action featured prominently in high-level discussions between the two nations.

“The arrest of Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland, to take action against his activities, which were linked to violence and instability in the South-east of Nigeria,” Ebienfa stated.

Finnish authorities confirmed that Ekpa was detained alongside four others on suspicion of engaging in terrorist activities. They attributed his actions to violence and crimes against civilians in the South-east, a region struggling with growing insecurity.

Simon Ekpa’s Role and Activities

Simon Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen, leads the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). IPOB has been advocating for an independent Biafra state carved out of Nigeria’s South-east.

Previously associated with the Nnamdi Kanu-led IPOB, Ekpa was once named the director of Radio Biafra. However, he was removed from the role after reportedly refusing to comply with the group’s operational rules. Following his dismissal, Ekpa formed the Autopilot faction, claiming it was sanctioned by Kanu before his arrest.

Through his faction, Ekpa has declared himself the “prime minister” of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE). He also established the Biafra Liberation Army, a militant group allegedly linked to attacks and killings in southeastern Nigeria.

IPOB Disowns Simon Ekpa

In response to Ekpa’s arrest, IPOB publicly disowned him, distancing the group from his activities. IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful clarified:

“Simon Ekpa was never and is not an IPOB member, let alone being a leader in IPOB. IPOB has family units in Finland, and Simon Ekpa is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or globally.”

Despite these denials, Ekpa has openly claimed responsibility for various attacks in the South-east. Finnish police have similarly accused him of inciting violence through social media platforms.

The Significance of the Arrest

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs hailed Ekpa’s arrest as a critical development in curbing the influence of transnational actors on national security. Ebienfa emphasized that the government would closely monitor legal proceedings and continue to update the public on the case.

Conclusion

Simon Ekpa’s arrest underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing cross-border threats. While his detention marks a victory in Nigeria’s fight against separatist violence, it also highlights the challenges of addressing the broader unrest in the South-east.