Finnish Authorities Detain Pro-Biafran Activist Simon Ekpa on Terrorism Charges

Nigeria's South-East Region Sees Glimmer of Hope as Simon Ekpa Faces Trial

“Freedom can never be won through such means. There's absolutely no wisdom in cutting off one's nose...”

Finnish authorities have detained Simon Ekpa, accused of inciting violence and terrorism in Nigeria's South-East region, marking a significant step towards stability.

Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafran agitator, is set to face trial in May 2025 in Finland on charges related to terrorism. This development comes after Finnish authorities announced his arrest, along with four others, on suspicion of involvement in terror-related activities.

According to Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland's National Bureau of Investigation, the district court has set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to present potential charges against Ekpa. This move marks a significant step in the investigation, which has been ongoing since Ekpa's arrest was announced last week.

Ekpa's arrest is linked to allegations of incitement to violence and terrorism financing. The Finnish government has been investigating his activities, and this trial is expected to shed more light on the charges against him. As the trial approaches, it remains to be seen how events will unfold.

“The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.”

Detective Laaksonen added that Ekpa or the Finnish authorities may seek a review of his detention status in two weeks.

“In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re- evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained.

The investigation into Simon Ekpa's activities has garnered significant international attention, with Finnish authorities acknowledging that cross-border cooperation plays a crucial role in the case. This collaboration underscores the global nature of the inquiry.

While officials have confirmed the involvement of international partners, they have declined to provide further details about the scope and specifics of this cooperation. This restraint suggests that the authorities are being cautious about releasing sensitive information that might compromise the investigation.

“International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case but no further comments can be given on the subject at this point,” the NBI stated.

Simon Ekpa gained widespread notoriety for his vocal calls to boycott Nigeria's 2023 general elections. His actions were met with violent enforcement measures and attacks on innocent residents, exacerbating an already tense situation.

Ekpa's initial arrest occurred in February 2023, following allegations that he had incited violence and issued sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other residents of the South-East region.

Simon Ekpa's actions sparked widespread outrage, prompting global petitions from Nigerians urging the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take decisive action against him.

In response to the mounting pressure, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Finland's Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, to demand Finland's cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa.

The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland took a significant step last Thursday, ordering Ekpa's imprisonment with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, is accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges related to financing terrorism.

Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been a vocal advocate for an independent Biafran state. His rhetoric has become increasingly extreme over the years, explicitly endorsing violence and disrupting Nigerian elections.

Finnish authorities have linked Ekpa to coordinated attacks targeting civilians and security forces, with some activities dating back to 2021. A key aspect of the case is Ekpa's use of social media to incite violence and raise funds. This highlights the role of social media in conflict escalation dynamics, where platforms can amplify existing conflict dynamics and reinforce destructive patterns of behavior.

The sit-at-home orders enforced by the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have had severe economic impacts on Nigeria's South-East region. This underscores the need for social media platforms to manage and de-escalate conflict during ongoing operations, rather than just responding to crises where violence erupts.

The sit-at-home orders enforced by the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have had a crippling impact on the economy of Nigeria's South-East region. The region has suffered losses of over N4 trillion in the past two years due to these activities and the resulting insecurity. This has severely affected the local economy, with businesses and markets being forced to close, leading to significant financial losses.

The Federal Government has welcomed Ekpa's detention, stating that it will closely monitor the legal proceedings in Finland. According to Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ekpa's arrest is a crucial step in addressing IPOB's activities and mitigating the influence of transnational actors on Nigeria's national security. This development is seen as a positive step towards restoring stability and security in the region.

The sit-at-home orders have had far-reaching consequences, affecting not only the economy but also the socio-political fabric of the region. The orders have disrupted commercial activities, market operations, and even education, leading to a decline in the overall quality of life for residents in the South-East region.

Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been accused by Finnish police of using social media to incite violence in Nigeria's South-East region. Specifically, he's alleged to have targeted both civilians and authorities through his online activities.

Ekpa's troubles deepened after he was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. This development came after Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed his arrest, along with four others, on suspicion of terrorism-related activities.

The four other suspects were detained for allegedly financing terrorist activities. Detective Mikko Laaksonen, who's handling the case, revealed that the investigation is still ongoing. Laaksonen added that no further details could be released at this time, citing the sensitive nature of the case.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the arrest of Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and neutralising the influence also of transnational actors on our national security.

“The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement read.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, has commended the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland, calling it a crucial step towards reducing violence in the South-East region. Abaribe criticized Ekpa and his followers for hijacking the Biafra agitation to commit crimes, straying from the peaceful principles of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Abaribe's statement highlights the concerns of many Nigerians who feel that Ekpa's actions have caused harm to the South-East region. Ekpa's arrest has been seen as a significant development in addressing the violence and insecurity in the region. The Finnish authorities have accused Ekpa of using social media to promote violence and incite attacks on civilians and security forces in Nigeria's southeastern region.

“The arrest of Simon Ekpa is something that is very welcome because this will tell all those people at home, who are purveyors of violence and instigated by Simon Ekpa that he actually said that he is just a content creator and not a serious person,” he said.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe emphasized that the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) initially advocated for a peaceful referendum, but unfortunately, criminals hijacked the movement, perpetuating violence and chaos.

“And what has happened is that a legitimate quest by the IPOB seeking a non-violent referendum was turned by all these kidnappers because they have found a key because, to average Igbo people, when you say Biafra, you must be doing the right thing.

“Whatever they say they are doing in the south-east is not supported by anybody in the south-east. All you have is a band of criminals.

“Also, our security agencies find it difficult to discern between a criminal and somebody who is saying he is doing agitation. So, every little thing that happens, they would say it is IPOB,” Abaribe explained.

Commenting on the Indigenous People of Biafra's (IPOB) plan to declare the Republic of Biafra on December 2, the group's counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, emphasized the importance of peace and unity in the South-East region. He urged those involved in violence and false agitations to abandon their divisive actions, promoting a more harmonious and united approach.

Ejiofor also addressed rumors circulating on social media about the planned Biafran declaration, reassuring that December 2 would pass without incident. This statement aims to alleviate concerns and promote a sense of calm in the region. It's worth noting that IPOB's initial goal was to seek a non-violent referendum, but the movement has since been hijacked by criminals, leading to violence and instability.

“I have always maintained that lies, deceit, fraud, treachery, and criminality have an expiration date. When the truth reaches its breaking point, it is inevitable game over!”

“To those still clinging to the baseless December declaration, rest assured, December will come and go uneventfully.

“In the past, when fanatical claims about fighter jets and warships were peddled as obvious tools for self- aggrandizement by the serial fraudster in Finland, I warned those willing to listen that they have been swindled.

“My stance earned me severe criticism, threats, and defamation. But today, where do we stand? It is time for those who profess to have been deceived by an unrepentant serial fraudster to pause, reflect, and retreat,” he admonished.

“I have always maintained that lies, deceit, fraud, treachery, and criminality have an expiration date. When the truth reaches its breaking point, it is inevitable game over!”

A lawyer has urged residents of Nigeria's South-East region to reject baseless claims surrounding a recent event, emphasizing that true freedom cannot be achieved through violence. This statement, made on Monday, November 25, serves as a call to action for individuals to think critically about the information they consume.

The lawyer specifically cautioned against being misled by Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader who has been described as a “serial fraudster.” Ekpa's claims have been debunked, and the lawyer urged those who have been deceived to reconsider their actions and cease supporting the false narrative.

The lawyer's warning is particularly relevant in the context of Nigeria's economic struggles. The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating impact on the livelihoods and access to food of urban communities in Lagos State. The pandemic has highlighted the need for a robust social security system in Nigeria, one that can provide support to vulnerable families and individuals.

In fact, the Human Rights Watch has emphasized the importance of building a social security system in Nigeria, one that recognizes Nigerians' right to social security and sets the legal foundations for an effective social security system. This includes creating entitlements to financial support for unemployed workers, including those in the informal sector, and an entitlement to child benefits.

Ultimately, the lawyer's call to action serves as a reminder of the importance of critical thinking and media literacy in today's world. By promoting critical thinking and standing up against misinformation, we can work towards creating a more informed and discerning public.

He added, “Let us restore peace in our land, so the custodians of Igbo heritage can seek ways to appease the gods for the atrocities committed against our people.

“There is indeed no gainsaying that Ndigbos are deeply marginalised in the Nigerian political setting and system, however, true struggles for the liberation of the oppressed must reject violence, fraud, criminality, and abuse as strategies.

“Freedom can never be won through such means. There's absolutely no wisdom in cutting off one's nose to spite one's face.”