The Federal Government of Nigeria is closely monitoring the legal proceedings involving Simon Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities on November 21, 2024, facing serious charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.
The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme has detained him on probable cause, citing his alleged involvement in inciting violence through social media platforms.
In a statement released by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa emphasized the significance of Ekpa's arrest, stating, "The arrest of Mr. Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB, and also neutralising the influence of transnational actors and their impact on our national security."
The Nigerian government had previously exerted diplomatic pressure on Finland to take action against Ekpa, whose activities have been linked to violent incidents in Nigeria’s South-East region.
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