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The arrest of Simon Ekpa, one of the influential figures within the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has stirred a tense atmosphere among Nigerians in Europe. As reported by sources, a significant number of Nigerians in the region are reluctant to voice their thoughts on the arrest, fearing that any public comment could provoke hostility or even physical attacks against them.
In a candid conversation with one of our correspondents, a Nigerian community leader, who asked to remain unnamed due to fears of victimization, expressed deep concern over the severe consequences the Igbo community has faced as a result of the secessionist group’s violent activities. The leader stated that the community has suffered greatly, enduring both direct and indirect consequences from the group’s actions.
A Nigerian community leader, who spoke to one of our correspondents on condition of anonymity for fear of victimisation, noted that the Igbo community was “gravely affected” by the violent acts of the secessionist group.
He said, “Everyone is afraid to speak about Ekpa’s arrest. The key people in Finland and the Igbo community at large are not ready to lend their voices either.”
The source highlighted that several people are now being accused of tipping off the police about Ekpa’s whereabouts, and as a consequence, they are experiencing intimidation and threats. The individuals in question are reportedly being targeted, with their safety and well-being jeopardized by those who view them as collaborators with law enforcement.
“A particular person they accused now, they’re after him. This happened before he (Ekpa) was even remanded—what will happen when they imprison him? Everyone is afraid. These people are very deadly,” the source said.
In a similar vein, another resident, who chose not to disclose their identity, revealed that there is significant tension brewing among Nigerians within the country. The resident noted that the atmosphere has become increasingly charged, with many expressing concern over the potential for further disturbances and confrontations.
“People don’t want to speak about Ekpa for fear of being hunted by his followers. We believe that they will hunt whoever comes out to talk about their leader. But the Finnish Government is trying to get rid of the situation.”
Ekpa, along with four other individuals, was apprehended by Finnish authorities on Thursday. The arrests were made under suspicion of involvement in terror-related activities, which include charges of inciting violence and providing financial support to terrorist operations. The authorities have yet to release further details regarding the nature of the charges.
According to reports his X handle (@simon_ekpa) had been inactive for four days.
Ekpa, who describes himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is accused of using social media to promote violent activities in southeastern Nigeria, including attacks on civilians and the authorities.
He was first arrested in February 2023 for inciting comments and sit-at-home orders to the people of the South-East.
The suspect gained international notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which were enforced through violent means, contributing to attacks on residents.
Before his arrest, Ekpa had attracted global attention, with thousands of Nigerians worldwide petitioning the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take action against his disruptive activities.
In response, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, urging Finland to cooperate in addressing Ekpa’s threats.
A local publication in Finland, Yle noted that the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation acted on the reports by detaining Ekpa and later releasing him.
The Finnish police also confirmed that Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, and four of his accomplices were arrested as part of an international investigation.
Read also: Simon Ekpa Not Our Member – IPOB Distances Self From Activist
A report stated that the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered Ekpa’s remand in prison, “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crie with terrorist intent.”
The police stated that the main suspect, Ekpa, was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while four unnamed accomplices were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.”
A Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, confirmed via email to newsmen that further details about the suspects couldn’t be disclosed.
Laaksonen explained that “NBI Finland cannot confirm the name of the suspect(s). The proceedings in the district court and contents of the decisions are classified at this point of the investigation,” adding, “The Ministry of Justice is the competent authority regarding extraditions.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians on social media have begun to search for suspected sponsors of the suspect, particularly those financing his alleged terror activities from the United States.
An X user, @Burmese_Tyga_, stated that those sponsoring him should be identified and brought to book.
He said, “If Simon Ekpa is indicted for terrorism in Finland and you know anybody in the US who has donated to him, pls forward name and address to me. I’ll make a comprehensive list I’m sending to the Department of State as sponsors of terrorism.
“Someone has to pay for the lives wasted and blood spilled in Igbo land. Destroying your lives here in the US is the least we can do.”
Several names were thrown up under the tweet, as some of those identified denied having any relationship with him.
But a user, @MaaziFaisal, said the Finnish Government might check his financial flow.
“And those in Diaspora and at home funding his terrorism act will be brought to book,” he added.
