The Enugu State Government has expressed its readiness to provide evidence of alleged atrocities committed by Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, labeled Ekpa a “terrorist” with no regard for the well-being of the Igbo people.
Ekpa was arrested on Thursday, November 21, by law enforcement in a northern European nation. The district court of Päijät-Häme sent him to prison for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media,” reportedly linked to activities in Lahti municipality in 2021.
Since 2021, escalating violence in southeastern Nigeria has been largely attributed to Ekpa’s faction of IPOB. Onyia welcomed his arrest as a critical step toward restoring peace in the region.
“The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria,” the statement reads.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the southeast.
“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah’s administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the southeast region.”
The government accused Ekpa of profiting from creating a siege mentality in the southeast, causing destruction to lives, property, and the Igbo identity of entrepreneurship and hard work.
“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the southeast, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work.
“He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra.” The government expressed optimism that his trial and eventual justice would bring stability and security to the region.
