IPOB Disowns Simon Ekpa As Defence HQ Moves For Extradition To Nigeria

The Federal Government of Nigeria is poised to seek the extradition of Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), which serves as the paramilitary branch of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, stated on Thursday that Ekpa, who identifies as a supporter of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, should be returned to Nigeria to answer for criminal charges.

Currently residing in Finland, Ekpa is one of 97 individuals listed as wanted by the Defence Headquarters as of March 2024.

Recently, Finnish authorities apprehended Ekpa along with four others on charges related to terrorism. The Central Criminal Police of Finland reported that the allegations include public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and the financing of terrorism.

A Finnish court has mandated Ekpa’s detention due to suspicions of incitement and involvement in other terrorist activities. Finnish police allege that Ekpa has utilized social media platforms to provoke violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting both civilians and government officials.

Additionally, four of his associates face accusations of funding these operations. Finnish authorities have emphasized that the case necessitates substantial international cooperation to combat terrorism.

PRESIDENT TINUBU YET TO BE BRIEFED ABOUT SIMON EKPA’S ARREST

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Meanwhile, a presidential spokesman, Daniel Bwala, has said that President Bola Tinubu and the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, have yet to be briefed on the arrest of the Biafra agitator.

“The procedure is that the (Nigerian) Embassy in Finland has to have the information and it would brief the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the minister might brief the NSA or the President,’’ Bwala told the PUNCH on Thursday.

Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, expressed his approval of Ekpa’s arrest, indicating optimism that it would facilitate his extradition and subsequent trial in Nigeria.

Major General Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, also praised the international community for its assistance in Nigeria’s efforts to combat terrorism.

“Ekpa has deeply contributed to terrorism in South-East Nigeria. His arrest is a significant step forward,” Buba stated.

IPOB DENIES RELATIONSHIP WITH SIMON EKPA

Meanwhile, IPOB has clarified its lack of association with Ekpa, stating that it does not have any connection to him or his faction.

Emma Powerful, the spokesperson for IPOB, reaffirmed that their primary objective continues to be the liberation of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in the custody of the Department of State Services since 2021.

He said, “We are not interested in his arrest. All we want is for the release of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has not committed any offence and who has been freed by the law courts. That is our concern.

“We have reiterated on several occasions that the Ekpa had no relationship with the IPOB from the formation to date and he had nothing in common with the Biafra struggle.

“For a long time, IPOB has maintained that there is nothing like autopilot in IPOB. More so, the criminal gang leader in Finland has no relationship with ESN from the formation of ESN to date or with IPOB. The authorities should stop linking IPOB with Ekpa and his group and IPOB is not interested in his arrest or whatever.

“All we want is for the Nigerian government to release our leader who has been detained for no known crime other than fighting for the liberation of his people.”

On his part, spokesman of IPOB’s Political Wing, Nwachukwu Emereonye, called for the immediate extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria to face the consequences of his actions.

He said, “We in IPOB Political Wing welcome the arrest of Simon Ekpa. His actions are unbecoming. Scores of people have been killed and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.

“He should be handed over the Nigerian government for immediate prosecution.”

It is worth noting that Ekpa has been associated with the implementation of sit-at-home directives in the South-East, resulting in violence, fatalities, and economic stagnation.

Recent incidents attributed to ESN operatives involve the deaths of vigilantes and civilians in Anambra State.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has disavowed any connection to these actions, alleging that Ekpa is taking advantage of the Biafran movement for his own benefit.