Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the Biafra separatist movement and self-declared leader of the Biafra Government in Exile, was arrested in Finland alongside four others on charges related to terrorism. Finnish authorities have accused him of inciting crimes with terrorist intent through his social media channels. The other suspects are alleged to have financed his activities. Ekpa’s arrest follows his repeated calls for violence and disruption in southeastern Nigeria, particularly through his enforcement of the controversial sit-at-home orders that caused significant economic losses and hardship in the region.
While the Nigerian Presidency has not issued a statement, the Defense Headquarters expressed satisfaction with the development, highlighting its potential to reduce tensions in the Southeast. Ohanaeze Ndigbo, a leading Igbo socio-cultural group, welcomed the arrest, describing it as a step toward restoring peace in the region. The group criticized Ekpa’s activities, which they claim have caused immense harm to the Igbo people.
