The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, has said it was unfortunate that while Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed Biafran agitator was partying and having fun in Finland, he pushed several people in Nigeria’s South-East to kill themselves.
Bellnews had reported that Ekpa, self-styled “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested more than three weeks ago in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related offences, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
Finnish authorities had alleged that Ekpa utilised the social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and government officials.
Speaking during an interview with News Central TV, the Chief of Defence Staff, Musa said Ekpa’s activities had been troublesome for the South-East and had now affected the region’s economy.
“There are a few people that really don’t understand what the man’s mindset is. He is having fun, enjoying himself, partying and doing all sorts yet pushing people to kill themselves,” he said.
He expressed delight that the Finish government arrested Ekpa after seeing reasons furnished by evidence the Nigerian military provided against him.
“They understand that keeping him there is a minus for them,” Musa said about the Finish government.
The CDS added, “We are leveraging on technology because human intelligence for us in asymmetric warfare is critical. That’s why I said you must get the buying in of the communities.
“If the communities accept them, it becomes more difficult. But if the communities refuse and realise that these guys are just using them, it becomes difficult for them.”
Bellnews had also reported that Simon Ekpa, self-acclaimed Biafran agitator may spend the Christmas and New Year breaks in detention, the authorities in the country have disclosed.
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at the Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, had noted this, adding that the country’s legal system does not permit bail.
Laaksonen had said, “Finnish criminal procedure/coercive measures do not recognise bail procedure.
“Our procedure is based on, depending on the case, remand or travel ban as coercive measures for limiting freedom of movement for persons suspected of offences to which such measures are applicable.”
A court in Finland had set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to bring charges against Simon Ekpa.
According to local media outlet Yle, Ekpa has been remanded on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.