The recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, a separatist leader associated with the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has caused panic among Nigerians in Finland. Many residents are reportedly afraid to comment on the situation, fearing reprisal attacks from his supporters.
Ekpa was apprehended alongside four others by Finnish authorities on charges related to terrorism, including incitement to violence and financing terrorist activities. A Finnish court has since ordered his detention, citing probable cause for public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
Fear Among Nigerians in Finland
A Nigerian community leader, speaking anonymously, disclosed that the Igbo community in Finland has been significantly affected by the violent activities linked to Ekpa’s group.
“Everyone is afraid to speak about Ekpa’s arrest. Even key figures in the Igbo community are avoiding the subject due to fear of being targeted,” the source said.
The atmosphere of fear has escalated, with reports of individuals accused of reporting Ekpa facing threats.
“Someone they accused is now being hunted. This happened even before Ekpa was detained—imagine what could happen if he is imprisoned,” another resident noted.
Ekpa’s Alleged Activities
Simon Ekpa, who identifies as the “Prime Minister” of the self-proclaimed Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is accused of leveraging social media to incite violence in southeastern Nigeria. His actions reportedly led to attacks on civilians and authorities, including enforcing sit-at-home orders and boycotts during Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.
Ekpa’s activities had drawn global attention, with Nigerians worldwide petitioning for his arrest. The Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, had pressured Finland to take action against him.
Global and Legal Dynamics
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation confirmed that Ekpa and four accomplices were detained following an international investigation. While Finnish law currently governs the case, the possibility of extraditing Ekpa to Nigeria has been raised.
Experts, however, highlight potential challenges, noting the absence of a formal extradition treaty between Finland and Nigeria. Former Nigerian Ambassador Yemi Farounbi suggested that multilateral agreements or international legal frameworks could still facilitate extradition.
Reactions from IPOB and Other Groups
The arrest has been met with mixed reactions within Nigeria:
- IPOB: Spokesperson Emma Powerful expressed relief, stating that Ekpa’s actions had disrupted life in the South-East.
- MASSOB (Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra): The group remains cautious, stating that consultations are ongoing regarding Ekpa’s detention.
Social media users, meanwhile, have begun scrutinizing suspected sponsors of Ekpa’s alleged activities, particularly those based in the United States. Calls for accountability have intensified, with demands for investigations into financial supporters of his group.
Next Steps
The Nigerian government has vowed to monitor the case closely, viewing Ekpa’s arrest as a significant step toward addressing IPOB’s activities and safeguarding national security. However, the path to potential extradition remains uncertain, with diplomatic and legal considerations likely to play a crucial role in determining the outcome.