THR Enugu State government has commended the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), by Finnish authorities.
The government of the Southeast state described Ekpa as a criminal and terrorist, asserting that his detention and prosecution will bolster peace, security, and stability across the Southeast region of Nigeria.
Ekpa, who has been accused of sponsoring violence and promoting unrest in the South-East from his base in Finland, was recently arrested alongside four others by Finnish authorities on suspicion of terrorism-related activities. A district court in Lahti ordered his detention, and his trial is underway.
In a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Enugu State administration expressed its willingness to provide substantial evidence of Ekpa’s alleged atrocities. This evidence, the government stated, could support his trial and eventual conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.
The administration of Governor Peter Mbah, which has consistently opposed separatist agitations for the Biafra Republic, described Ekpa as a “murderer, fraudster, and megalomaniac.” It accused him of exploiting the emotions of the Igbo people to enrich himself while causing misery and destruction across the region.
“His arrest is a significant step toward restoring peace and stability in the South-East,” Onyia stated. “Ekpa has long operated from Finland to create a climate of fear in our region, undermining lives, livelihoods, and the Igbo spirit of entrepreneurship and hard work.”
The government further alleged that Ekpa derived joy from orchestrating violence and extorting people under the guise of fighting for Biafra’s restoration. It reiterated its commitment to cooperating with international authorities to ensure justice is served, emphasizing that Ekpa’s actions were detrimental to the well-being of the Igbo people and the region’s progress.
Eighteen-Eleven Media l