Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has called for the arrest and prosecution of Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, for his alleged role in inciting violence in the Southeast.
In a Democracy Day broadcast on Channels Television, General Musa accused Ekpa, based in Finland, of exploiting his residence abroad to fuel unrest in Nigeria. “We have repeatedly complained about Simon Ekpa,” said Musa. “He is in Finland, and the Finnish government is giving him all the support, and he is doing what he is doing. The comments he is making result in people being killed, and nothing is being done.”
Ekpa, who issues sit-at-home orders purportedly on behalf of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its leader Nnamdi Kanu, has been blamed for exacerbating violence in the region. Musa emphasized the need for the Nigerian government to pursue diplomatic measures to curb Ekpa’s activities. “We need to diplomatically find means of stopping him from whatever it is that he is doing. He must be arrested, and he must be prosecuted,” he added.
Musa further criticized the European Union, questioning their commitment to supporting democracy by allowing Ekpa’s actions to continue unchecked. “If the European Union is supporting democracy and this is happening and they are not taking action, then they don’t mean well for Nigeria,” he stated.
The Defence Chief’s remarks highlight the growing frustration within Nigeria over Ekpa’s influence and the perceived lack of international cooperation in addressing his alleged incitement of violence.
