The Nigerian government is considering an extradition request for Simon Ekpa, a leader of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, Nigeria’s Defence Information Director, suggested Ekpa, currently based in Finland, should return to Nigeria to face charges. Finnish authorities recently arrested Ekpa and four associates for alleged terrorism-related crimes, including incitement and terrorism financing.
Finnish police state that Ekpa has used social media to encourage violence in Nigeria’s South-East, impacting civilians and officials. The arrest follows international cooperation, and Nigerian Defence officials, including Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Chris Musa, have expressed hope for Ekpa’s extradition. However, IPOB has distanced itself from Ekpa, emphasizing its focus on the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, detained since 2021.
Ekpa’s arrest has stirred public reactions, with calls for his extradition to face charges in Nigeria. Notable figures like former minister Femi Fani-Kayode praised the arrest, condemning Ekpa’s influence on regional violence. Meanwhile, IPOB officials reiterate that Ekpa has no ties to their movement, condemning the violent actions attributed to him and his faction.
4o