The Enugu state government says it is ready to provide evidence of the atrocities sponsored by Simon Ekpa, self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

 

In a statement on Friday, Chidiebere Onyia, secretary to the Enugu state government, described Ekpa as a “terrorist” who has no interest of the Igbo people at heart.

 

On Thursday, Ekpa was arrested by law enforcement agents in the northern European nation.

 

He was subsequently sent to prison by the district court of Päijät-Häme for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media”.

 

Ekpa was said to have committed the crime in 2021 in Lahti municipality.

 

Since 2021, the continued violence in the south-east geopolitical zone has been attributed to the activities of the Ekpa-led faction of IPOB.

 

ENUGU GOVERNMENT WELCOMES ARREST OF EKPA

Onyia said the Enugu government welcomed the arrest of Ekpa, adding that it will bring about peace and stability in the south-east zone.

 

“The government also described Ekpa as a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery, saying that Enugu state was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria,” the statement reads.

 

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the south-east.

 

“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the south-east region.

 

“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the south-east, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work.

 

“He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra.”