Abuja, Nigeria – The Finnish government has confirmed it is taking steps against Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement, who has been blamed for widespread unrest in Nigeria’s southeast.
Finnish Foreign Minister Elina Valtonen disclosed this on Tuesday during a joint press conference with her Nordic counterparts in Abuja. According to Valtonen, the case against Ekpa, whose activities have been flagged by the Nigerian government, is currently before Finnish courts.
Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, has been a leading voice behind the controversial “sit-at-home” orders enforced in the southeast despite the mainstream IPOB leadership suspending the directives. His actions, including threats to disrupt the 2023 general elections, led to his brief arrest in Finland earlier this year.
Despite his arrest, Ekpa has remained influential, using social media to propagate his secessionist agenda. IPOB has distanced itself from the Finland-based activist.
The Nordic ministers are on a two-day visit to Nigeria to strengthen trade ties and discuss regional challenges, including the fight against extremism.
The group will continue its African tour in Ghana.
