Finnish authorities had alleged that Ekpa utilised the social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and government officials.
Gen. Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), has criticized Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafran agitator, stating it is unfortunate that while Ekpa enjoys himself in Finland, he incites violence that leads to loss of lives in Nigeria’s South-East.
We had earlier 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.”
SaharaReporters 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.
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER NOW
Support MATAZ ARISING’ journalism of integrity and credibility.
Good journalism ensure the possibility of a good society, an accountable democracy, and a transparent government.
We ask you to consider making a modest support to this noble endeavour.
TEXT AD: To advertise here – Email ad@matazarising.com
-
Nigeria’s Economy Under Tinubu: The First Phase Was Stabilisation, Now Comes the Second Phase
By Idowu Ephraim Faleye +2348132100608 MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Nigeria has moved from trying to save its economy to the next difficult task of making the economy work for ordinary people. The major economic figures are improving. Government revenue has increased, and state governments are receiving much more money than they received before. Yet many Nigerians…
-
El-Rufai Has Spent Seven Months In Detention Without Conviction – Emir Sanusi
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Sanusi said Nigeria already has institutions and courts responsible for investigating and prosecuting corruption cases, but alleged that political considerations sometimes influence how such cases are handled. The Emir of Kano, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has raised concerns over the continued detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, saying he has spent…
-
New world record for longest dance marathon set by Nigerian dancer
MaTaZ ArIsInGDallas, Texas Benjamin Daniel, known as Ben Dancer, danced continuously for 168 hours. LAGOS, Nigeria — A Nigerian dancer has broken the world record for the longest individual dance marathon. Benjamin Daniel, known as Ben Dancer, danced continuously for 168 hours. The 33-year-old began the attempt last Tuesday. The previous record of 127 hours…
