There are indications that the Federal Government of Nigeria will apply for the extradition of Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Eastern Security Network, the paramilitary arm of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Director of Defence Information, Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, who gave the indication on Thursday, said Ekpa, a self-proclaimed disciple of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, should be extradited to Nigeria to face criminal charges.
Many Nigerians online share the same sentiment that the militant should be sent to Nigeria to face trial for his crime.
The organization he claims to head, the IPOB, has however dissociated itself from him, asserting it had no relationship with him
Ekpa is one of the 97 individuals declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in March 2024.
The Finland-based Biafran agitator is a close ally of the IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is facing charges of terrorism, treasonable felony, and inciting violence through his Radio Biafra, amongst others.
He has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since 2021 when he was arrested in Kenya and brought back to Nigeria.
A presidential spokesman, Daniel Bwala, said President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, have yet to be briefed on the arrest of Ekpa.
“The procedure is that the (Nigerian) Embassy in Finland has to have the information and it would brief the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the minister might brief the NSA or the President,’’ he explained.
Ekpa and four others were arrested in Finland on charges of terrorism, Finland’s Central Criminal Police said in a statement on Thursday.
A report said the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered that Ekpa be imprisoned “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
Speaking on the development in a statement on Thursday, Gusau said the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen Chris Musa, was pleased with the trial of the ESN leader.
Gusau wrote, “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.”
Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, was accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism.
He was arrested in February 2023 for his inciting comments and sit-at-home orders to the people of the South-East.
Before his arrest, thousands of Nigerians worldwide signed a petition appealing to the Finnish and Nigerian governments and the European Union to arrest Ekpa.
He had asked the people to boycott the 2023 general poll, insisting there would be no election in the region.
Worried by his activities, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, over his threats to stop the 2023 general election in the South-East.
The ministry sought the Finnish government’s cooperation to arrest Ekpa over threats to disrupt the exercise.
The Finnish police confirmed on Thursday that Ekpa and his accomplices were arrested earlier this week as part of an international investigation.
Ekpa, who describes himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is alleged to have used social media platforms to promote violent activities in the South-East, including attacks on civilians and authorities.
The police said the main suspect was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while four others were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.”
Speaking on the case, Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen stated, “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels,” suggesting that his online actions have fueled violence in Nigeria.
“Four other persons are suspected of financing the aforementioned activity. All five suspects in the crime were arrested at the beginning of the week.
“International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation,” the statement added.
The Central Criminal Police revealed that the case involved extensive international collaboration.
The Finnish authorities emphasised their commitment to investigating the case thoroughly as part of their broader effort to combat terrorism.
Expressing delight over Ekpa’s arrest and ongoing trial, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Maj. Gen Edward Buba, said the military was pleased with the news.
He stated, “The CDS has always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following his deep involvement in fuelling terrorism in SE Nigeria. We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigeria in our fight against terrorism.”
The ESN has been implicated in numerous violent activities in the South-East since its creation in December 2020.
While the ESN was initially formed to counter the activities of armed herdsmen and protect local communities, their operations have reportedly led to significant unrest in the region.
The group has been accused of ambushing and killing troops of the Nigerian Army, police, and other security personnel.
Police stations and military checkpoints in the South-East have been frequent targets, leading to loss of lives and property.
Also, the ESN has been linked to arson attacks on public facilities such as police stations, electoral offices, and government buildings, disrupting governance and public services in the region.
There have been allegations of extrajudicial killings by the ESN, including attacks on individuals accused of opposing IPOB’s secessionist agenda or cooperating with the government.
Some communities have reported being harassed or forced to comply with the group’s directives, including its Monday sit-at-home orders, especially during days commemorating Biafra or protesting the detention of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
Defiance of these orders had led to attacks on businesses, vehicles, and individuals, paralyzing economic activities in the Southeast.
