Self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Republic in exile, Simon Ekpa, and four others have been arrested in Finland for alleged terror-related offenses.
And following the news, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide is delighted at the arrest, because it says it begins a collective journey towards healing and reconciliation.
Its Secretary General, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, on Thursday,i n a statement, adds the socio-cultural organisation stands firm in its resolve to advocate for a peaceful, prosperous Southeast and a united Nigeria, where the voices of all citizens are valued and respected.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, also expressed delight over the arrest and detention of Ekpa.
The Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, said in a statement on Thursday in Abuja: “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 Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, also disclosed that the CDS had always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following his deep involvement in fueling terrorism in South East Nigeria.
“We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigeria in our fight against terrorism,” he added.
Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police, in a statement, confirmed the arrest of Finnish-Nigerian and the four individuals suspected of terrorist activities.
Simon Ekpa, identified as the main suspect, was detained “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the four others were apprehended “for financing a terrorist crime,” the Police said, adding that “claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21,”
The Police statement said further: “A Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation, stated: “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”
The four other suspects are accused of financing the activities under investigation. “All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week,” the statement confirmed, adding that international cooperation has been integral to the preliminary investigation.
The Ohaneze Ndigbo statement on Thursday reads “The Apex Igbo Sociocultural Organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, takes this momentous occasion to announce our unequivocal relief and support in light of the recent arrest of Simon Njoku Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafran independence movement.
“The ramifications of this event, executed by the District Court of Päijät-Hame in Finland, are monumental and expected to resolve the pervasive insecurity challenges that have beleaguered Southeastern Nigeria for far too long.
“Ekpa has been remanded in custody on serious charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. His tumultuous ambition to publicly declare a Sovereign Biafra Nation—a scheme set to take shape on December 2, 2024—was not only misguided but indicative of a reckless disregard for the profound consequences such a declaration would evoke. His intentions could have sparked uncontrollable civil unrest and perhaps culminated in another Biafran War, a prospect that the Igbo people have conclusively rejected and remain unprepared to engage in. The echoes of the previous conflict, which left indelible scars on our history, stand as a stark reminder of the devastation war brings.
“Upon this crucial arrest, Ohanaeze Ndigbo categorically denounces the notion that individuals like Simon Ekpa possess the capability or legitimacy to summon the Igbo Nation into a conflict. This organization acknowledges Ekpa’s disturbing record over the last three years, wherein he has systematically wreaked havoc upon the very fabric of our society and economy, implementing his illegitimate Monday Sit-At-Home directive with the aid of armed men who have terrorized our communities. The financial toll from these activities is staggering, amounting to a loss of over 22 trillion naira in investment opportunities, thereby stifling the economic viability of our region.
“There is a pervasive atmosphere of relief permeating across the 95 Local Government Areas of Southeastern Nigeria since the announcement of Ekpa’s arrest. The collective silence that now blankets our communities speaks volumes about the anticipation that his detention may sever ties to his alleged sponsorship of terrorism that has spiralled into our region. The citizens, long traumatized by the unchecked terror he and his followers unleashed, are hopeful that the Finnish authorities’ decisive action represents a critical juncture in restoring peace and stability.
“Ohanaeze Ndigbo is compelled to express its longstanding suspicions regarding the Finnish government’s inaction regarding Simon Ekpa’s activities over the past three years. As a Finnish citizen, he exploited the freedoms offered within that society to orchestrate broadcasts that incited violence and animosity against the very nation in which he resides. It is a matter of profound concern for all of us that mercenaries, veiled as agitators, infringe upon our quest for peace while undermining our autonomy.
“The Secretary-General of Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, articulates that this organization is deeply disturbed by the violent disruptions wrought by Simon Ekpa and his cohorts over the past three years. Our aspirations are clear: the Ndigbo people seek a restructured Nigeria that fosters peace, dialogue, and development, rather than retracing steps towards conflict. We do not share any sympathies towards Ekpa’s current predicament; rather, we are resolute in our commitment to safeguarding the aspirations of our people.
“As we look toward December 2, 2024, we urge the Finnish Government and relevant international bodies to act swiftly and decisively. We expect continued vigilance and actions that ensure no further endeavours like Ekpa’s are permitted to disrupt our fragile peace.
“Let this be a clarion call for unity, peace, and collective progress as we embark on a new chapter, free from the shadows of violence and discord.”
