A prominent leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Njoku Ekpa, has been arrested in Finland on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence. Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, was detained by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
The arrest was confirmed by the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which described it as a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB. “The arrest of Simon Ekpa is a testament to the Nigerian government’s commitment to addressing the security challenges posed by IPOB and other similar groups,” the ministry said in a statement signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, Acting Spokesperson.
A thorn on Nigerian Government’s side
Ekpa has been a thorn in the side of the Nigerian government, using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda and incite violence. Finnish investigators have linked him to incidents of violence in Nigeria, which were believed to have been fuelled by his online activities. The Nigerian government has been pressing Finland to take action against Ekpa’s activities, which were seen as a threat to national security.
What happens next?
The arrest of Simon Ekpa is a significant development in the ongoing saga surrounding the Biafra independence movement. It remains to be seen how this will impact the movement and the wider political landscape in Nigeria.
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