Defence Chief Calls for Simon Ekpa’s Extradition to Nigeria

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The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has expressed optimism about the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Nigeria. This comes after Ekpa’s recent arrest in Finland on charges linked to alleged acts of terrorism and violence in Nigeria’s South-East region.

In a statement issued through the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, General Musa hailed the arrest as a critical development. “The CDS is pleased with Simon Ekpa’s arrest in Finland and hopes it will pave the way for his extradition to Nigeria to face justice,” the statement read.

Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, added that General Musa had consistently pushed for Ekpa’s apprehension, accusing him of actively promoting terrorism in South-East Nigeria.

Allegations Against Ekpa

Simon Ekpa is accused of orchestrating violent activities in the South-East region of Nigeria while operating from Finland. Authorities allege that he leveraged social media to incite unrest and coordinate attacks against civilians and government officials.

Finnish law enforcement has confirmed Ekpa’s involvement in financing terrorism. Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, who leads the investigation, disclosed that Ekpa and other suspects, including two individuals based in Helsinki, have been under scrutiny for funding terrorist activities. Finnish authorities highlighted the critical role of international cooperation in advancing the case, with hearings for the suspects scheduled for later this week.

Ekpa has a history of run-ins with Finnish authorities. In 2023, he was briefly detained over allegations of fundraising fraud. He is also infamous for his inflammatory separatist rhetoric, including his widely circulated declaration: “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory.” His statements were seen as attempts to disrupt Nigeria’s electoral process and promote IPOB's separatist agenda.

Broader Implications

Ekpa’s arrest and potential extradition signal a collaborative international effort to combat terrorism and hold individuals accountable for inciting violence. The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has reiterated its commitment to restoring peace and stability in the South-East region, expressing hope that bringing Ekpa to justice will deter further unrest.



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