December 07, 2024
By Samuel Ogunsona
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen Christopher Musa, has strongly criticized Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed Biafran agitator, for his actions while residing in Finland.
According to Gen Musa, Ekpa was “having fun, enjoying himself, partying and doing all sorts yet pushing people to kill themselves”.
Ekpa, who claims to be the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related offences, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
Finnish authorities alleged that Ekpa used social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and government officials.
Gen Musa expressed his concern over Ekpa’s activities, stating that they 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.
The CDS also commended the Finnish government for arresting Ekpa, stating that they had seen reasons furnished by evidence provided by the Nigerian military. “They understand that keeping him there is a minus for them,” Gen Musa said.
Furthermore, Gen Musa emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and human intelligence in asymmetric warfare. “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,” he explained.
Gen Musa noted that if communities accept and support separatist groups, it becomes more challenging to address the issue.
However, if communities refuse to support these groups and realize that they are being used, it becomes more difficult for the groups to operate.
Meanwhile, Simon Ekpa may spend the Christmas and New Year breaks in detention, as disclosed by the Finnish authorities. Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, stated that the country’s legal system does not permit bail. “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,” Laaksonen explained.
A court in Finland has 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.
