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Diplomatic Pressure From Nigeria Led To Simon Ekpa’s Arrest – FG

Published

6 hours ago

Nov 22, 2024.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen and factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities.

Ekpa, widely known for his controversial online activities, was detained on Thursday, November 21, on charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that in an official statement issued on Friday in Abuja, the ministry’s acting spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, explained that Ekpa’s arrest came after consistent diplomatic pressure from the Nigerian government urging Finland to address his destabilizing activities.

The statement revealed that Finnish authorities accused Ekpa of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage illegal acts, contributing to unrest in Nigeria’s southeastern region.

The statement read:

“The ministry wishes to confirm the arrest of Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed IPOB, by Finnish authorities on Thursday, Nov. 21. 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. Finnish investigators have linked Ekpa to violent incidents in Nigeria, believed to have been fuelled by his online activities.”

Diplomatic Nigeria Simon Ekpa’s Arrest

Simon Ekpa, who declared a Biafran government-in-exile in 2022 and later proclaimed himself its leader, has long been a polarizing figure. His online broadcasts have been accused of inciting violence and encouraging criminal acts, exacerbating insecurity in Nigeria’s southeast.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Ekpa’s arrest as a significant step in addressing the activities of transnational actors undermining Nigeria’s security. The ministry assured Nigerians that it would monitor legal proceedings closely and provide updates as the case develops.

This development highlights the importance of international cooperation in tackling the influence of individuals using foreign territories to promote violence and destabilization in their home countries.