Biafra Crisis: Ekpa Must Face Justice, Kanu’s Release Key to Southeast Peace
Last Thursday, Finnish authorities apprehended Simon Ekpa, along with four accomplices, on charges of spreading terrorist propaganda via social media. They were later held by the Päijät-Häme district court.
According to the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, is under suspicion for inciting terrorism and allegedly funding violent activities. Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, stated that Ekpa used his online platforms to provoke violence against both civilians and authorities in Southeastern Nigeria. Hiltunen added that Ekpa’s actions, carried out from Finland, had directly contributed to increasing violence in the region.
This arrest comes amid growing unrest in the Southeast, where armed groups, claiming to advocate for an independent Biafra, have been wreaking havoc. These groups often cite the continued imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as the reason behind their violent campaigns, including the controversial Monday sit-at-home orders.
However, IPOB has distanced itself from Ekpa, denying any association with him or his violent tactics.
Senator Abaribe: Kanu’s Release is Key to Peace
Abia South Senator Eyinnaya Abaribe argued that releasing Nnamdi Kanu remains the crucial step toward addressing insecurity in the Southeast, rather than focusing on Ekpa’s arrest. He emphasized that Kanu’s release would help distinguish between genuine Biafra agitators and criminals exploiting the situation for personal gain.
Abaribe pointed out the contradiction in Ekpa’s and other groups’ actions, questioning how the killing of innocent people could contribute to the cause of Biafra. He believes that once Kanu is freed, the true motivations of those behind the violence will become clearer, and the region could finally begin to heal.
Strategist: Ekpa’s Arrest Could Influence the Region
Bishop Johnson, a former U.S. military strategist, stated that Ekpa’s arrest in Finland could have significant consequences for the Southeast’s stability, especially if the Finnish government holds him accountable for his role in inciting violence. He added that if Ekpa is extradited to Nigeria, his arrest could backfire and potentially exacerbate violence, especially if he faces the same mistreatment as Nnamdi Kanu.
Johnson emphasized the importance of due process, warning that any unjust treatment of Ekpa, or failure to hold him accountable, could inflame tensions in the Southeast. He believes that addressing both Ekpa’s actions and Kanu’s release in tandem could pave the way for lasting peace.
Okechukwu: Ekpa Must Be Held Accountable
Meanwhile, Osita Okechukwu, former Director-General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), called for Ekpa to face prosecution, whether in Finland or Nigeria, for his role in destabilizing the Southeast. Okechukwu, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), criticized Ekpa’s violent methods, saying they have caused needless suffering and economic hardship in the region.
He applauded the diplomatic efforts to bring Ekpa to justice but stressed that such violent tactics were not the solution to the region’s challenges. Okechukwu believes that holding Ekpa accountable is essential for both regional peace and the security of Nigeria as a whole.
In conclusion, while Ekpa’s arrest signals a potential shift in efforts to quell violence in the Southeast, the key to lasting peace lies in addressing both the consequences of his actions and the long-awaited release of Nnamdi Kanu.
