- Simon Ekpa, a self-appointed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) was arrested in Finland on terrorism-related charges
- The Nigerian Defence Chief, General Christopher Gwabin Musa expressed hope for Ekpa’s extradition to face justice
- Ekpa was accused of inciting violence in Nigeria through his social media platforms
General Christopher Gwabin Musa, Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff, has indicated his belief in the likelihood of Simon Ekpa's extradition to Nigeria.
Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, stated in a short press release that the Defence Chief has expressed satisfaction over the arrest of Simon Ekpa in Finland, as reported by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21.
Police investigate Simon Ekpa for terrorism incitement
“CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” the statement read.
Simon Ekpa is a self-appointed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed his arrest along with four others for their involvement in terrorism-related activities.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the Finnish authorities stated.
Finland remands Simon Ekpa over alleged terrorist incitement
Following his arrest, Simon Ekpa was remanded by the district court in Lahti, Finland, based on probable cause for inciting criminal acts with terrorist intent in Nigeria.
Authorities accused Ekpa of using social media to advance separatist propaganda tied to IPOB, a group calling for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
Finland authorities had also investigated Ekpa in the past for alleged financial crimes, including the collection of funds through questionable means.
Rep visits Nnamdi Kanu in detention, resolves access restriction to his lawyers
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the House of Reps member Obi Aguocha visited Nnamdi Kanu in detention, successfully resolving restrictions on his legal team's access to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader.
The visit aimed to find a political solution to Kanu’s continued detention, addressing legal and health concerns raised by his lawyers