Ekpa: Ohanaeze, DHQ laud pro-Biafra agitator’s arrest, hopeful of region’s peace

• Agitations could have sparked another Biafran war, says apex Igbo group
• Military seeks extradition as FG vows tougher stance on S’East insecurity
• ‘Why Ekpa’s arrest won’t end Nigeria’s separatist grievances’

From his haven in Finland, Simon Ekpa’s fiery agitation paralysed South-East Nigeria, inciting violence and economic ruin. Now arrested, his detention fuels hope for peace, but experts warn that silencing one voice won’t dissolve the entrenched grievances driving separatist movements and unrest across the nation.

Reacting, a faction of the Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, lauded the arrest of Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafran independence movement, describing it as a monumental development that could address the persistent insecurity in South-Eastern Nigeria.

In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Ohanaeze expressed optimism that Ekpa’s arrest would signal an end to activities that have destabilised the region for years.

The group criticised Ekpa’s plans to declare a sovereign Biafran nation on December 2, 2024, calling the move “misguided” and warning of its potential to trigger civil unrest.

“His intentions could have sparked uncontrollable civil unrest and perhaps culminated in another Biafran war, a prospect that the Igbo people have conclusively rejected and remain unprepared to engage in. The echoes of the previous conflict, which left indelible scars on our history, stand as a stark reminder of the devastation war brings,” Isiguzoro said.

The statement described Ekpa as an illegitimate figure whose directives, including the enforced Monday sit-at-home orders, have paralysed economic activities in the South-East. The group noted that the region had lost over N22 trillion in investment opportunities due to the disruption caused by his actions over the past three years.

Ohanaeze highlighted the relief felt across the South-East’s 95 local councils following news of Ekpa’s detention. “The collective silence that now blankets our communities speaks volumes about the anticipation that his detention may sever ties to his alleged sponsorship of terrorism that has spiralled into our region,” the statement read.

The group further commended the Finnish authorities for taking decisive action against Ekpa, a Finnish citizen, whom it accused of exploiting the freedoms offered by Finland to incite violence in Nigeria.

“It is a matter of profound concern for all of us that mercenaries, veiled as agitators, infringe upon our quest for peace while undermining our autonomy,” the group added.

Ohanaeze urged stakeholders and security agencies to sustain efforts to restore peace and stability in the South-East, stressing the need for vigilance against further attempts to destabilise the region.

EKPA was arrested and detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on charges of inciting the public to commit crimes with terrorist intent. He was reportedly apprehended on Monday, November 19, over offences allegedly committed in Lahti on August 23, 2021.

A source told The Guardian, “He was arrested three days ago. But as usual, this is not the first time he has been arrested. He will be questioned and released soon.”

In 2023, Ekpa was detained for fundraising fraud but released the same evening.

According to Finnish media reports, the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also seeking the detention of four additional suspects on terrorism-related charges.

Ekpa has been linked to separatist activities in Nigeria, including leading a group advocating for the establishment of an independent Biafra state in the country’s southeast. Finnish authorities suspect that Ekpa has used his leadership position to coordinate actions that have resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.

Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen of the NBI revealed that these activities were allegedly coordinated from Finland, with Ekpa using social media as a primary tool for incitement. “This activity has been carried out, among other means, via social media channels,” Hiltunen said.

The Nigerian government has also expressed interest in extraditing Ekpa. In August, it announced ongoing diplomatic engagements with Finland through the European Union (EU) to facilitate his return.

Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to address the activities of Ekpa and his group.

“The Federal Government would respond appropriately to the Finnish government through the EU. On the part of the military, troops would sustain operations against IPOB/ESN,” Buba said, referring to the Indigenous People of Biafra and its militant wing, the Eastern Security Network.

Ekpa, who has previously held local positions for Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP), currently serves on Lahti’s public transport committee.

The NBI confirmed that the ongoing investigation focuses on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of inciting crimes with terrorist intent.

Among the suspects, Ekpa resides in the Lahti region, while two others have addresses in Helsinki.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) expressed delight over Ekpa’s arrest.

The DHQ, which had consistently advocated for Ekpa’s apprehension, linked him to the widespread destruction of lives and property attributed to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the South-East.

Speaking to journalists via telephone, the spokesman of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, said the military had long hoped that Ekpa would be brought to justice.

“The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has consistently called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa due to his significant role in fuelling terrorism in South-East Nigeria,” Buba said. “We are pleased about his arrest and commend the international community for partnering with Nigeria in our fight against terrorism.”

Also, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, welcomed the development and expressed optimism about Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria.

“The CDS is pleased with his arrest in Finland and hopes it marks a step towards his extradition to Nigeria to face justice,” Gusau said.

HOWEVER, a former Director of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr Dennis Amachree, cautioned that the arrest of the pro-Biafra agitator might not resolve the broader issues surrounding separatist movements in Nigeria.

Speaking on the development, Amachree said: “Simon Ekpa’s arrest might not solve the Biafran problem. He can undergo extradition, and then what? Arresting and detaining these ethnic heroes will not solve the bigger problem of ethnicity and agitation of separatist groups in Nigeria.”

He emphasised the need for a more comprehensive approach to addressing the underlying causes of separatist agitations in the country.

“This is the time to address the issue of patriotism and one nationality,” Amachree added, urging the government to foster unity and a sense of belonging among Nigerians.

In other reactions, Eyenidara Essien @silas_essien tweeted, “But the question remains: What did Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest and extradition address in their agitation, and what will Simon Ekpa’s arrest address? Your answer is as good as mine. NOTHING! ABSOLUTELY NOTHING. When we are done with the arrest game, reality stares at us.

Also, chukwuebuka johnkingsley @cjohnkingsley10 noted, “Only a foolish man will think that (the) arrest of MNK and Simon Ekpa will end the Biafra ideology. You can only arrest Simon but you can’t arrest the Biafra ideology…”

News of Ekpa’s arrest came as Minister of Defence Badaru Abubakar reiterated President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to eradicating insecurity in the South-East region of the country.

Abubakar made this known in Enugu yesterday while addressing heads of security agencies and regional stakeholders.

He assured them that the Federal Government would not allow non-state actors to dominate the security space.

He highlighted the achievements of the Tinubu administration in combating insecurity nationwide, particularly in the South-East and Cross River State, over the past year.

“There is a renewed determination to do more in the fight against all forms of insecurity by President Tinubu,” the minister stated.

Acknowledging the progress made so far, Abubakar called for greater collaboration, noting, “It is common knowledge that we have recorded successes in the past year, but President Tinubu is determined to do more with your cooperation and active involvement.”

He disclosed that Tinubu had directed him to engage regional stakeholders to devise lasting solutions to the area’s insecurity.

“Without security, there would be no peace and development. The people of this zone, who are predominantly businessmen and women, need security and peace for their businesses to thrive,” Abubakar said.

The minister emphasised the need for actionable intelligence and candid suggestions from residents and leaders to address the root causes of insecurity.

“If insecurity persists, it is our people whose lives and property are being threatened and destroyed; it is our people who are kidnapped, and their organs harvested as well,” he warned.

Abubakar also commended the efforts of security agencies and regional leaders, noting President Tinubu’s appreciation for their contributions while urging them to intensify their efforts.

Earlier, the minister held separate closed-door meetings with the General Officer Commanding (GOC) 82 Division of the Nigerian Army, Maj.-Gen. Hassan Dada, and the Air Officer Commanding (AOC) Ground Training Command of the Nigerian Air Force, AVM Usman Abdullahi, at their respective headquarters in Enugu.

Abubakar said the engagements were part of efforts to strengthen collaboration and find lasting peace on the South-East and Cross River State axes.