FG’s diplomatic pressure led to arrest of Simon Ekpa – Foreign Affairs Ministry

By Kunle Sanni

The Federal Government of Nigeria has expressed its commitment to closely monitoring the legal proceedings following the arrest of Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Finnish authorities detained Ekpa on Thursday, citing his alleged role in inciting violence and promoting terrorism in Nigeria.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the arrest was a result of sustained diplomatic efforts by Nigeria aimed at curbing Ekpa’s activities, which have been linked to instability in the South-East region.

It further described his arrest as a significant victory for Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements and efforts to safeguard its national security.

“The arrest of Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and mitigating the impact of transnational actors on our national security,” it said in a statement.

Ekpa, detained by the Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme, faces charges of publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent. Finnish authorities accused him of leveraging social media platforms to disseminate separatist propaganda, encourage illegal activities, and incite violence. These actions, they allege, fueled unrest in Nigeria’s South-East, where IPOB has been linked to violent disruptions.

The Federal Government disclosed that it had engaged in high-level diplomatic discussions with Finland, urging swift action to address Ekpa’s activities.

Ekpa’s long-standing association with inflammatory rhetoric and calls for violence on social media has drawn widespread condemnation. Authorities in Nigeria and Finland believe his actions disrupted peace in the South-East, exacerbating tensions in the region.

The Nigerian government views the arrest as a critical step in reducing the spread of separatist propaganda and restoring order. Officials reiterated their resolve to collaborate with international partners to address threats posed by transnational actors.