‘We’ve evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities’ – Enugu govt hails Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader’s arrest
The Enugu state government has hailed the arrest of the Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader Simon Ekpa by the government of the Republic of Finland while describing him as a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest in Igbo people at heart.
In a statement issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia on Friday, the government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delighted in killing his people and living large off their misery, adding that Enugu was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
The statement reads, “The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.
Backstory
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader alongside four others, was on Thursday arrested on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Ekpa was accused of coordinating violent actions against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region from Finland, using social media platforms to further his agenda.
According to a report from a local publication, Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals suspected of terrorist activities in a statement released on Thursday, November 21.
According to the statement, Simon Ekpa, identified as the main suspect, was detained “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the four others were apprehended “for financing a terrorist crime.”
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
“Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”
The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation, stated: “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”
“All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week,” the statement confirmed, adding that international cooperation has been integral to the preliminary investigation.
