Biafra: Southeast Stakeholders Call for Ekpa's Sentencing and Nnamdi Kanu's Release
Reactions continue to pour in following the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, with some Southeast leaders demanding his sentencing in Finland.
Ekpa was apprehended by Finnish authorities on November 27, 2024, along with four others, and detained by the Päijät-Häme district court for allegedly spreading terrorist propaganda on social media. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that Ekpa, who holds dual citizenship in Finland and Nigeria, is under investigation for inciting terrorist acts and financing terrorism.
Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, stated that Ekpa used his social media platforms to provoke violence against both civilians and public authorities in Southeast Nigeria. "His actions from Finland have fueled violence and other criminal activities in the region," Hiltunen said.
Ekpa’s arrest comes amidst increasing insecurity in Southeast Nigeria, where armed groups have been terrorizing locals under the guise of advocating for Biafra's independence. These groups claim to be enforcing the Monday sit-at-home order, initially proposed by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a demand for Nnamdi Kanu’s release. However, IPOB has distanced itself from Ekpa, insisting he is not a member.
Abia South Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe commented that the solution to the region's insecurity lies in the release of Nnamdi Kanu, not in Ekpa’s arrest. He argued that Kanu's release would distinguish genuine Biafra supporters from criminals. Abaribe said, “How can you seek Biafra by killing your own people? The violence will stop once Kanu is released, and the real agitators will be identified.”
Retired US Army Captain Bishop Johnson, a national defense strategist, noted that how Finland handles Ekpa's arrest could impact his incitement of violence in the Southeast. He suggested that holding Ekpa accountable in Finland would weaken his influence and stop those funding his operations. However, Johnson expressed concern that Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria could escalate violence, particularly if he is treated similarly to Kanu, whose detention has fueled unrest.
“The way Ekpa is handled will determine whether his arrest brings peace or further violence. If due process is followed and he is held accountable for his actions, it could help restore peace,” Johnson said.
Meanwhile, Osita Okechukwu, former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria, called for Ekpa’s sentencing in either Finland or Nigeria, emphasizing that his actions had caused significant harm to the people of the Southeast. Okechukwu praised the long-awaited efforts to arrest Ekpa, which he described as "long overdue." He added, "Ekpa is a criminal responsible for countless deaths and the economic ruin of the Southeast. I support his sentencing, wherever it takes place."
Okechukwu condemned Ekpa’s violent methods and advocated for non-violent strategies to address the region's marginalization. "There are better ways to fight for our rights than through killings and destruction," he concluded.
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