In an emotional outburst, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has condemned the actions of Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, for encouraging violence in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Despite enjoying a carefree lifestyle in Finland, Ekpa, Musa said, has been responsible for inciting people to commit violence and even take their own lives back home.
“While Simon Ekpa is partying and enjoying himself in Finland, he has been pushing people in Nigeria’s South-East to kill themselves,” Musa said in an interview with News Central TV.
Ekpa was arrested more than three weeks ago in Finland, alongside four others, on terrorism-related charges, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism. The Finnish authorities have charged him with using social media to spread messages that encouraged violence in Nigeria, targeting both civilians and government officials.
Finnish Authorities Take Action
Musa expressed satisfaction with the Finnish government’s decision to arrest Ekpa after Nigerian authorities provided substantial evidence against him. According to Musa, the Finnish government now understands the significance of Ekpa’s actions and the danger he poses.
“They understand that keeping him there is a minus for them,” Musa said about the Finnish government’s stance on Ekpa’s detention.
The arrest of Ekpa has brought attention to his role in exacerbating tensions and violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, a place that has been struggling with unrest in recent years.
Terrorism and the South-East Economy
Musa explained that Ekpa’s activities have not only disrupted the peace but have also caused significant harm to the region’s economy. “His actions have affected both the security situation and the economic prospects of the South-East,” he added.
The region, which is home to a large portion of Nigeria’s Igbo ethnic group, has long been a center of agitation for independence under the Biafran banner. Ekpa, who claims to be the “Prime Minister” of the Biafran Republic Government-in-Exile, has been using social media to rally supporters to engage in violent acts under the guise of a struggle for self-determination.
Communities Must Resist Violence
While Ekpa has continued his calls for violent resistance from abroad, Musa emphasized that the key to defeating such movements lies in the cooperation of local communities. “We are leveraging on technology because human intelligence for us in asymmetric warfare is critical,” Musa explained.
He stressed the importance of engaging with communities in the South-East to ensure that they do not fall victim to Ekpa’s influence. “If the communities refuse and realise that these guys are just using them, it becomes difficult for them,” he added.
Musa’s remarks reflect the challenges faced by Nigerian security forces in countering the growing influence of separatist movements and militancy in the region.
A Long Winter in Finland
Reports suggest that Simon Ekpa may spend the Christmas and New Year holidays in detention in Finland. Finnish authorities have made it clear that their legal system does not allow bail, which means Ekpa’s detention is likely to continue for the foreseeable future.
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that Ekpa would remain in custody until further legal proceedings. “Finnish criminal procedure does not recognise bail procedure,” Laaksonen stated. “We are using remand as a coercive measure to limit his freedom.”
