KEY POINTS

• 5 arrested in Finland over terrorism charges for allegedly being part of separatist group led by Simon Ekpa.
• DHQ commends the arrest of Rigachukwu and hopes for an extradition to Nigeria.
• Finnish authorities say investigations open into incitement, funding of terrorism.
  IPOB declines to comment on why Ekpa has not been detained.

Finnish authorities have arrested Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and four others over terrorism allegations, the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has said.

Well known for imposing Monday sit at home order and instigating violence in Nigeria’s Southeast, Ekpa was reportedly arrested by Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland for public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

Four other individuals were arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of aiding related activities, Finnish police confirmed.

DHQ’s Reaction

Furthermore, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, The Director of Defence Media Operations , Major General Edward Buba said he hopes that Ekpa will be extradited to Nigeria.

‘For his role in fueling terrorism in the Southeast Nigeria, the CDS has reiterated the call for Simon Ekpa’s arrest.’

‘His apprehension is something we are delighted with and we hope this is the first step of bringing him to justice in Nigeria,’ Buba also said.

Presidency’s stance

There has been no immediate comment on the matter from the Presidency. According to Special Adviser to the President On Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, the case is the responsibility of the National Security Adviser and the Attorney General of the Federation.

Also, Special Adviser on Policy Communication, Daniel Bwala, said the administration would look forward to getting comprehensive reports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other offices.

Ekpa’s background

According to Finnish authorities, Ekpa’s detention is part of a broader terrorism investigation involving his leadership of the separatist movement.

Otto Hiltunen, detective chief inspector, also told PPN radio that Ekpa incited violence and coordinated attacks in southeastern Nigeria using social media.

IPOB’s silence

Ekpa’s activities are however distanced from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Asked for comment, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful declined, saying: “We have no briefing from IPOB leadership on the matter.”

Next steps

Ekpa’s arrest has reopened debate as to how terrorism in Nigeria has international dimensions and also how international cooperation can be significant.

Police in Finland emphasized the global nature of their investigations aiming to underscore just how big a job stemming terrorism is.

Though Nigerian authorities are still waiting for further developments in Ekpa’s case, they hope the case will take a turn for the worse eventually.