Simon Ekpa has been at the forefront of a movement that seeks to break away from Nigeria, calling for the creation of the independent state of Biafra.
His outspoken views have sparked heated debates, with many in Nigeria’s southeast region rallying behind his cause.
From his base in Finland, Ekpa has used social media as a platform to fuel his separatist agenda, even going so far as to incite violence and disrupt the nation’s political processes.
Now, this man who has so vigorously called for change now finds himself in the midst of a legal battle that could change the course of his campaign.
Simon Ekpa’s arrest in Finland, alongside four other individuals, has sent shockwaves through both the separatist movement and international law enforcement circles.
Enugu Govt Welcome Simon Ekpa’s Arrest
However, Enugu State Government has lauded the arrest of Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities.
It described Ekpa as a “terrorist and criminal” with no regard for the well-being of the Igbo people.
A statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, expressed the administration’s readiness to present evidence against Ekpa, who the government accused of exploiting and destabilising the South-East region.
Simon Ekpa’s Arrest And Charges
Finnish authorities have charged Simon Ekpa with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, accusing him of coordinating violent actions against civilians and Nigerian authorities from afar.
People Also Read: Simon Ekpa’s Arrest: What Fani-Kayode Has To Say
According to Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, who leads the investigation: “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”
The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed that Ekpa and the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” police stated.
This marks a significant turning point in Ekpa’s controversial campaign, as his activities—once conducted in the shadows—are now the focus of an intense international investigation.
