The arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, has sparked widespread reactions among Southeast stakeholders, with many calling for his sentencing in Finland and the release of Nnamdi Kanu to restore peace in the region.
Last Thursday, Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa and four others, detaining them under the Päijät-Häme district court for allegedly “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.” The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen, is suspected of public incitement to commit offenses with terrorist intent and financing terrorism. Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen noted that Ekpa used his social media platforms to incite violence in Southeastern Nigeria, which has led to significant unrest.
Insecurity in Southeast Nigeria
Ekpa’s arrest comes amid escalating insecurity in the Southeast, where armed groups have been enforcing a sit-at-home order initially introduced by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to demand Kanu’s release. While IPOB later suspended the order and distanced itself from Ekpa, the region has seen increasing violence from criminal groups exploiting the situation.
Stakeholder Reactions
Eyinnaya Abaribe, Senator for Abia South, emphasized that releasing Kanu is crucial to addressing insecurity in the Southeast. He argued that Kanu’s freedom would expose genuine agitators and separate them from criminals masquerading as Biafra supporters.
“You want Biafra, fine, but how does killing Biafrans, burning police stations, and spreading mayhem help the cause?” Abaribe questioned. He stressed that Kanu’s release would help identify true activists while removing the pretext used by criminal elements.
Bishop Johnson, a retired U.S. Army Captain and military strategist, pointed out that Ekpa’s arrest could have varying impacts depending on its handling. He suggested that prosecuting Ekpa in Finland could curb his incitement and deter his sponsors. However, he warned that extraditing Ekpa to Nigeria could escalate violence due to the country’s poor human rights record.
“If Ekpa is extradited and detained under conditions similar to Kanu, it could provoke more violence, as loyalists would see it as further injustice against Igbo leaders,” Johnson noted.
Johnson added that Ekpa’s followers might react negatively if due process is not followed. However, he maintained that a combination of Ekpa’s sentencing and Kanu’s release could restore peace in the Southeast.
Calls for Accountability
Osita Okechukwu, former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria and an APC chieftain, advocated for Ekpa’s sentencing in Finland or Nigeria. He commended the diplomatic efforts that led to Ekpa’s arrest, labeling him a criminal whose actions have devastated the Southeast economy and caused significant loss of life.
“There are better ways to address marginalization than through killings and maiming. Ekpa must face justice for his crimes,” Okechukwu said.
Path to Peace
Many stakeholders agree that the simultaneous sentencing of Ekpa and the release of Kanu would help address the dual issues of violence and criminality in the Southeast. By distinguishing genuine activists from opportunistic criminals, stakeholders believe peace and stability can be restored in the region.
