Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, has released a statement praising the Finnish Court’s decision to approve the extradition of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria. The organization characterized this development as a significant victory for the Southeast region, which has endured considerable insecurity and economic challenges attributed to Ekpa’s influence.
The press release specifically acknowledged the contributions of several security officials in addressing the regional unrest, including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawelle. Ohanaeze Ndigbo credited their collective efforts with helping to resolve what they described as “Southeast insecurity, crimes, and sit-at-home economic paralysis.”
According to the statement, Ekpa, who designated himself as the “Unrecognised Prime Minister” of a “Biafra Government in Exile,” is facing serious charges of terrorism and violent criminal activities. The organization asserted that his actions, particularly the enforcement of “sit-at-home” directives, have severely damaged the socioeconomic fabric of the Southeast, reportedly resulting in thousands of casualties.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo explicitly distanced the Igbo community from Ekpa’s activities, describing him as “a common criminal” rather than a legitimate freedom fighter. The organization expressed support for his prosecution, which they anticipate will begin by July 2025, stating that it should serve as a deterrent to others engaged in unauthorized armed conflicts or terrorism within the region. The statement was jointly signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and Chief Thompson Ohia, senior officials of the organization.