The arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, by Finnish authorities has ignited discussions about its implications for the escalating insecurity in Nigeria’s Southeast region. Detained alongside four others by Finland’s Päijät-Häme district court for “spreading terrorist propaganda,” Ekpa is accused of inciting violence and financing terrorism through his social media platforms.
Finnish Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen revealed that Ekpa’s online activities directly fueled violence in Southeast Nigeria, where armed groups claim to enforce a sit-at-home order originally initiated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). IPOB has distanced itself from Ekpa, emphasizing that he is not a member of the organization.
Prominent voices have weighed in on the development. Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe insists that releasing Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB’s detained leader, remains key to addressing the crisis. “Kanu’s release will separate genuine agitators from criminals exploiting his incarceration,” Abaribe argued.
Similarly, U.S. military strategist Bishop Johnson stressed that Ekpa’s trial in Finland, adhering to due process, could reduce his influence and disrupt his funding. However, Johnson warned that extraditing Ekpa to Nigeria without fair treatment could escalate tensions, given Nigeria’s record on human rights abuses.
Osita Okechukwu, a former Director General of Voice of Nigeria, labeled Ekpa’s arrest as overdue and called for his sentencing either in Finland or Nigeria. Okechukwu condemned Ekpa’s tactics, stating, “He has grounded the Southeast economy and caused countless deaths. There are better strategies to address marginalization than violence.”
