Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the foremost Igbo sociocultural organization, has celebrated the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafran independence movement, calling it a significant relief for the Igbo community. The group highlighted that Ekpa’s detention is a crucial step toward healing and peace for the southeastern region of Nigeria.
A Finnish court sentenced Ekpa to prison for promoting terrorist propaganda online. This followed his arrest by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) alongside four others involved in alleged terrorist activities.
Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Secretary General of Ohanaeze, expressed optimism that Ekpa’s arrest would help address the rampant insecurity troubling Southeastern Nigeria. He condemned Ekpa’s plans to declare a Sovereign Biafra on December 2, 2024, warning that such actions could have sparked widespread unrest and potentially led to another Biafran War, which the Igbo people adamantly reject.
“The painful memories of the past Biafran conflict should serve as a warning,” Isiguzoro said. He also criticized Ekpa for orchestrating violent sit-at-home orders that severely disrupted the regional economy, resulting in an estimated loss of over 22 trillion naira in investments.
Ohanaeze also voiced concerns over the Finnish government’s delay in addressing Ekpa’s provocative activities. The group accused him of exploiting Finland’s freedoms to incite violence and undermine peace efforts in Nigeria, particularly within the Igbo community.
Emphasizing the need for a peaceful, restructured Nigeria, Ohanaeze called for dialogue and development instead of conflict and division.
Ekpa Sentenced for Terrorism Propaganda
Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the leader of the Biafra Republic Government in exile, was sentenced to prison in Finland for spreading terrorist propaganda in 2021. Ekpa was arrested alongside four others suspected of financing terrorism. Finnish authorities confirmed the arrests, and the investigation is ongoing.
The Finnish government had previously acknowledged Nigeria’s complaint regarding Ekpa’s actions, and the case was discussed with Nigerian officials in November.
Military Reaction to Ekpa’s Arrest
The Nigerian military has expressed relief at Ekpa’s arrest. Major General Edward Buba, Director of Defence Media Operations, stated that the military was pleased with the development. “The Chief of Defence Staff has long called for Simon Ekpa’s arrest, and we are thrilled that it has been carried out,” he said.
