The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Chris Musa, has welcomed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, by Finnish authorities, expressing hopes that it will pave the way for his extradition to Nigeria.
This was revealed in a statement issued by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information.
“The CDS is happy with his (Ekpa’s) arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” the statement read.
Simon Ekpa was apprehended in Finland following accusations of using social media to incite violence and promote separatist propaganda linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group campaigning for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
The arrest, ordered by a district court in Lahti, Finland, is tied to allegations of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria.
Ekpa has long been a controversial figure, known for his vocal advocacy for Biafra’s independence, which the Nigerian government considers a threat to national security. The Defence Headquarters views his apprehension as a significant step toward curbing separatist activities.
Efforts are now reportedly underway to secure his extradition, ensuring that he faces justice for his alleged crimes in Nigeria.
