Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based Nigerian lawyer and leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, has been a controversial figure due to his strong advocacy for the secession of the Southeast region of Nigeria.
Ekpa’s activities include issuing sit-at-home orders in the Southeast, which have allegedly fueled insecurity and violence in the region.
The Nigerian government has accused him of promoting unrest and has sought diplomatic measures to extradite him for prosecution.
Finnish authorities and the EU have been criticized for not taking sufficient action against him, despite Nigeria’s concerns, Daily Post reports.
Recently, Ekpa announced plans for a Biafra independence declaration convention in Finland, emphasizing the need for international recognition and presenting the case as a peaceful solution to long-standing regional marginalization.
This has further heightened tensions in Nigeria, particularly as previous secessionist movements have led to conflict.
7 Reasons Behind Simon Ekpa’s Arrest
1. Incitement of Violence: Ekpa’s calls for sit-at-home orders resulted in violence, loss of lives, and disruptions in southeastern Nigeria.
2. Threats Against Elections: He openly threatened citizens planning to vote in Nigeria’s 2023 elections.
3. Diplomatic Complaints: The Nigerian government lodged formal complaints against him for instigating instability from abroad.
4. Alleged Connection to Killings: His campaigns reportedly fueled attacks on civilians and security personnel in Nigeria.
5. Illegal Fundraising: Allegations surfaced of using illegal means to fund separatist activities.
6. Violation of Freedom of Expression Limits: His activities in Finland tested the boundary between free speech and incitement to criminality.
7. Strained Finland-Nigeria Relations: His actions led to tensions in diplomatic relations between the two nations.
Nnamdi Kanu halts sit-at-home
Meanwhile, in May, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), declared that the sit-at-home exercise will now be called “Economic Empowerment Day”.
This revelation was made today, August 5, and conveyed in a statement released by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful.
Powerful explained that the new decision was a measure to show Kanu’s commitment to end all forms of violence and agitation in the south east.
Enugu Govt Hails Simon Ekpa’s Arrest In Finland, Offers To Provide Proof Of Atrocities To Speed Up Trial | Sahara Reporters https://t.co/n2rcOOpJrV pic.twitter.com/2jvunF9oGv
— Sahara Reporters (@SaharaReporters) November 22, 2024
