Nigeria may apply for Simon Ekpa’s extradition from Finland to face terrorism charges related to his incitement of violence in the South-East.
The Federal Government of Nigeria is likely to request the extradition of Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), following his arrest in Finland on charges related to terrorism.
The Finland-based Biafran separatist, a close ally of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader Nnamdi Kanu, is facing accusations of inciting violence and terrorism in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Also read: IPOB urges South-East residents to ignore sit-at-home orders on October 21 and 22
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, confirmed on Thursday that Ekpa, who is known for his controversial calls for Biafran secession and violent protests, should be brought back to Nigeria to face criminal charges.
Gusau expressed hope that the arrest, which follows an extensive international investigation, would lead to Ekpa’s extradition.
Ekpa, who holds Finnish citizenship, was arrested in Finland alongside four accomplices on terrorism-related charges.
Finnish authorities have accused Ekpa of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, primarily through his social media platforms.
The District Court of Päijät-Häme in Finland ordered his detention on November 21, 2024, pending further investigation into his role in promoting violent acts in Nigeria.
Despite his association with Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB has publicly distanced itself from Ekpa, stating that he has no affiliation with their movement.
IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful reiterated that Ekpa’s actions, including his call for boycotts and sit-at-home orders in the South-East, do not reflect the organisation’s stance.
Powerful clarified that IPOB remains focused on securing the release of Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently detained in Nigeria despite court orders for his release.
Many Nigerians, both online and offline, have demanded Ekpa’s immediate extradition to Nigeria. The online campaign intensified after Ekpa’s arrest, with citizens calling for justice for the violence attributed to his directives.
The ESN leader is blamed for inciting numerous attacks on security personnel, civilians, and public properties, contributing to the rising instability in the South-East.
Notable figures, including former aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode, have hailed the arrest, describing Ekpa as a threat to Nigeria’s national security.
Fani-Kayode condemned Ekpa’s violent rhetoric, calling him a “hate-filled sociopath” responsible for inciting the deaths of innocent Nigerians.
Similarly, former media aide to ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, Bashir Ahmad, supported the call for Ekpa’s extradition after serving his jail term in Finland.
Ekpa, who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been a significant figure in the ESN, a paramilitary wing of IPOB. The group, formed in 2020, has been implicated in several violent attacks across the South-East.
Initially intended to combat armed herdsmen, ESN operations have escalated into widespread violence, including ambushes of military personnel, arson attacks, and threats to disrupt elections. The Nigerian government has labelled the ESN a terrorist organisation, launching military operations to dismantle the group.
The Federal Government’s push for Ekpa’s extradition comes amidst ongoing violence in the South-East, where attacks on civilians, police stations, and government buildings have left a trail of destruction.
The government’s efforts to curtail the impact of ESN’s actions have led to military crackdowns, which, in turn, have contributed to heightened tensions in the region.
Finnish authorities have assured of their commitment to investigating the case thoroughly, with the Central Criminal Police citing international cooperation in the investigation.
Source: Read more at arise.tv
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
