The recent arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa, a prominent leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has left Nigerians in Finland in a state of panic.
Ekpa, who is accused of inciting violence and terrorism, was taken into custody by Finnish authorities alongside four others on Thursday. His arrest follows accusations of financing and promoting violent activities in southeastern Nigeria, where IPOB has been linked to unrest.
A Nigerian community leader in Finland, speaking anonymously, revealed that fear of retaliation from Ekpa’s supporters has silenced discussions among the Igbo community. The leader described the group’s violent reputation, stating, “Everyone is afraid to speak about Ekpa’s arrest… The key people in Finland and the Igbo community at large are not ready to lend their voices either.”
The tension escalated after reports of threats against individuals suspected of reporting Ekpa to the authorities. A local resident said, “People don’t want to speak about Ekpa for fear of being hunted by his followers. But the Finnish Government is trying to get rid of the situation.”
Charges Against Ekpa
Finnish authorities have accused Ekpa and his accomplices of terror-related activities, including public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. He is also accused of using social media to enforce sit-at-home orders in southeastern Nigeria, contributing to violence in the region.
In February 2023, Ekpa was first arrested for incitement, particularly during the 2023 general elections, where his calls for election boycotts reportedly led to violent enforcement.
A Finnish District Court in Päijät-Häme has ordered his detention. Authorities also confirmed an ongoing international investigation into his activities, including financial support from the diaspora.
The arrest has spurred Nigerians on social media to demand action against those funding Ekpa’s activities. One user on X (formerly Twitter) called for the identification of donors in the U.S., urging authorities to take action against them.
The Finnish Government is reportedly examining Ekpa’s financial network, with expectations that those involved in funding his activities will face legal consequences.
IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful welcomed the arrest, accusing Ekpa of destabilizing the region. He stated, “People could not sleep with two eyes closed… He is not a member of IPOB. If they [the government] extradite him to Nigeria, it is okay.”
Meanwhile, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said it was consulting on the implications of the arrest, with further action to be determined.
Although there is speculation about Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria, experts have highlighted potential legal and diplomatic hurdles. Finland and Nigeria lack a direct extradition treaty, which could complicate the process. However, multilateral agreements under the United Nations framework could provide a pathway.
Former Nigerian diplomat Ambassador Yemi Farounbi noted that extradition could depend on Finland’s legal interpretation and its diplomatic relationship with Nigeria. “Finland will follow due process and ensure the court’s ruling aligns with its laws,” Farounbi stated.
Government Response
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrest, emphasizing its significance in addressing IPOB’s activities. A spokesperson said, “The arrest of Mr. Simon Ekpa is a significant development in neutralizing transnational threats to Nigeria’s security. We will continue to monitor the legal proceedings closely.”
As the investigation unfolds, Nigerians at home and abroad are watching closely to see how the legal and diplomatic processes play out, with many hoping for an end to the violence attributed to Ekpa’s influence.
(With additional information from punch)
