The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) expressed satisfaction following the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on charges related to terrorism.
Ekpa, along with four others, was apprehended in Finland for allegedly inciting violence and financing terrorist activities, prompting hopes within the DHQ for his extradition to Nigeria to face trial for his role in violence in the southeastern region.
The arrest, which has drawn attention from various quarters, saw both the Nigerian Presidency and IPOB remain silent on the matter.
Local reports indicate that Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court, which cited suspicions of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed that the arrests were part of a broader investigation into terrorist activities linked to Ekpa, who has been known to promote separatist sentiments through social media.
According to Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, Ekpa is suspected of using his position to incite violence against civilians and government authorities in Nigeria, with his activities reportedly coordinated from Finland.
The police statement highlighted that Ekpa's actions have led to significant unrest and violence in southeastern Nigeria.
This incident marks not the first encounter between Ekpa and Finnish authorities; he was previously detained in 2023 on allegations of fundraising fraud.
In addition to his political role within Finland's National Coalition Party, where he serves on Lahti's public transport committee, Ekpa has gained notoriety for his calls to disrupt Nigerian elections and for advocating violent resistance against Nigerian government forces.
