The Defence Headquarters has commended the Finnish police for arresting separatist leader Simon Ekpa, describing the development as a significant achievement in the fight against terrorism.
In separate statements, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, and the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, emphasized the importance of Ekpa’s arrest. According to them, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, expressed satisfaction with the arrest, viewing it as a step towards justice.
“The CDS is pleased with his arrest in Finland and hopes this will pave the way for his extradition to Nigeria to face justice,” Gusau said on Thursday.
Similarly, Buba highlighted that the arrest demonstrates the international community’s collaboration with Nigeria in combating terrorism.
“The CDS has consistently called for Simon Ekpa’s arrest due to his significant role in fueling terrorism in southeastern Nigeria,” Buba said. “We are pleased with this development and appreciate the global partnership in our efforts against terrorism.”
On March 23, the Defence Headquarters had declared Simon Ekpa wanted, alongside 96 others, for inciting violence in Nigeria’s South-East.
Ekpa was arrested on Thursday by Finnish authorities, along with four others, on suspicion of terror-related offenses, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism. A district court in Lahti ordered his remand on probable cause for public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria.
The separatist leader, linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is accused of using social media platforms to propagate separatist ideologies. The alleged crimes reportedly date back to August 23, 2021.
In addition to these charges, Finnish authorities have previously investigated Ekpa for alleged financial crimes, including questionable fundraising activities.