A rapture of joy swept through the Defence Headquarters, Abuja, Thursday, as the Finish Police announced the arrest of separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, and four others for allegedly inciting terrorism against his homeland, Nigeria.
In separate statements, an obviously elated Director of Defence Media Operations, Major General Edward Buba, and the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, applauded the development, describing it as an important victory in the war against terrorism and related offences in Nigeria.
According to Gusau, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, was excited by Ekpa’s arrest.
“CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” Gusau said in his statement Thursday.
In a related development, Buba described Ekpa’s arrest as an indication that the international community was on the same page with Nigeria in its resolve to crush terrorism and its masterminds.
“The CDS has always called for the arrest of Simon Ekpa following his deep involvement in fueling terrorism in SE Nigeria,” Buba said.
“We are delighted about his arrest, and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigerian in our fight against terrorism.”
The Crest recalls that the Defence Headquarters had, on March 23, 2024, declared Ekpa and 96 others wanted for inciting violence in the South-East, and across the country in general.
Ekpa and four others came to the end of the road, Thursday, as they were arrested by the Finnish police
on the suspicion of terror-financing, inciting violence and terrorism-related activities.
Finland district court in Lahti had ordered the remand of Simon Ekpa on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria.
Specifically, the separatist leader was accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
The offences, according to the court, dated back to August 23, 2021.
Finland authorities have also investigated Ekpa in the past for alleged financial crimes, including the collection of funds through questionable means.
