DHQ Applauds Simon Ekpa’s Arrest in Finland, Calls for Extradition to Nigeria

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters commends Finnish authorities for Simon Ekpa’s arrest and pushes for his extradition to face charges in Nigeria. 

The Defense Headquarters has praised the Finnish Police for arresting separatist leader Simon Ekpa.

In their respective statements, Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, and Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, hailed the arrest as a significant triumph in combating terrorism.

The spokespersons stated that General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has expressed satisfaction regarding Ekpa’s arrest.

“CDS is pleased with his arrest in Finland, hopeful that it will lead to his extradition to Nigeria for him to face justice,” Gusau stated on Thursday.

Likewise, Buba mentioned that Ekpa’s arrest demonstrates the international community’s cooperation with Nigeria in its efforts to combat terrorism.

Buba stated, “The CDS has consistently advocated for Simon Ekpa’s arrest due to his significant role in inciting terrorism in southeastern Nigeria.”

“We are pleased about his arrest and thankful that the international community is collaborating with Nigeria in our fight against terrorism.”

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On March 23, the Defence Headquarters announced that Ekpa was wanted for inciting violence in Nigeria’s South-East region.

He was listed as wanted along with 96 other terrorists nationwide.

However, on Thursday, Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa along with four others under suspicion of activities related to terrorism. These include incitement to violence and the financing of terrorist acts.

A district court in Lahti, Finland has ordered the detention of Simon Ekpa on probable cause for allegedly inciting the public to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria.

The leader of the separatist movement faced accusations of utilizing social media to disseminate propaganda associated with IPOB, a group that supports the secession of southeastern Nigeria.

The court claimed that the offenses originated on August 23, 2021.

Finnish authorities have previously investigated Ekpa for alleged financial crimes, such as raising funds through suspicious methods.