The Federal Government has confirmed it is actively observing the trial of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ekpa was arrested in Finland on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.
Finnish authorities detained Simon Ekpa on Thursday, November 21, 2024. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme has ordered his continued detention based on probable cause. The court alleges that Ekpa used social media platforms to incite violence.
In a statement released on Friday, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, explained the government’s stance. The statement emphasized that the Federal Government is closely tracking the case to ensure it addresses the impact of IPOB’s activities on Nigeria’s national security.
The government noted that it had previously urged Finland to take action against Ekpa. His activities, it claimed, have been linked to violent incidents in the South-East region of Nigeria.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Ekpa’s arrest as a critical step toward curbing the activities of IPOB. It further noted that this move could weaken the influence of transnational actors affecting Nigeria’s security.
The ministry also pledged to keep the public informed about developments in the case. It stressed that Ekpa’s actions, which have allegedly fueled unrest in Nigeria, would be addressed under Finnish law.
The Ministry issued the following statement regarding Ekpa’s arrest:
> “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to confirm the arrest of Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21, 2024.
> “He was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.
> “The Ministry wishes to affirm that the arrest of Mr. Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and neutralizing the influence of transnational actors on our national security.
> “The Ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.”
The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to collaborating with international partners to address issues of terrorism and violence linked to transnational groups. Finland’s action against Ekpa aligns with Nigeria’s earlier diplomatic efforts to curb IPOB’s activities abroad.
The trial is seen as a vital opportunity to reduce the impact of IPOB’s influence both within and outside Nigeria. The government believes this development could serve as a warning to others engaged in similar activities.
As the case unfolds, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs remains focused on ensuring that justice is served and that Nigeria’s sovereignty is protected. It assured Nigerians that every effort would be made to neutralize threats to peace and stability in the country.
The Federal Government’s monitoring of Simon Ekpa’s trial highlights its commitment to tackling security challenges posed by IPOB and other transnational actors. The ongoing case in Finland represents a significant step in addressing these issues and strengthening national security. Further updates will be provided as the legal proceedings continue.
