The Enugu State Government has declared its readiness to present evidence of atrocities allegedly orchestrated by Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the Enugu State Government, described Ekpa as a “terrorist” who has no regard for the welfare of the Igbo people.
Ekpa, who was arrested on Thursday, November 21, by law enforcement authorities in a northern European nation, was sent to prison by the district court of Päijät-Häme for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.” Reports indicate that the alleged offense occurred in Lahti municipality in 2021.
Since 2021, escalating violence in Nigeria’s southeast has been widely attributed to the activities of Ekpa’s IPOB faction. Welcoming his arrest, Onyia noted that it marks a significant step toward restoring peace in the region.
“The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State 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.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the southeast.
“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 southeast region.
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the southeast, 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 for the restoration of Biafra.” The Enugu government expressed optimism that the trial and eventual justice served would foster long-sought stability and security in the southeast region.