By Gabriel Ani
The Enugu State government has officially labeled Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a terrorist. The state has pledged to provide evidence of what it describes as Ekpa’s violent activities against the Igbo people.
In a statement released Friday, Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the Enugu State Government, condemned Ekpa, saying, “Simon Ekpa is a terrorist who has no interest in Igbo people at heart.” Onyia’s comments followed Ekpa’s recent arrest in a northern European country. On Thursday, law enforcement agents detained Ekpa, who was subsequently imprisoned by a district court in Päijät-Häme for “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.” The charges stem from offenses allegedly committed in 2021 in the Lahti municipality.
Onyia emphasized the state government’s support for Ekpa’s arrest, asserting that it would contribute to peace and stability in Nigeria’s South-East region.
“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South-East,” Onyia stated.
The Enugu government’s statement went further, describing Ekpa as a “murderer and fraudster” who exploits the suffering of his people for personal gain.
“Enugu State is ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria,” Onyia added.
The government also linked Ekpa’s activities to a broader campaign of fear and destruction in the South-East, asserting that his influence has undermined the region’s stability.
“Ekpa has, 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,” the statement said.
This development aligns with previous statements from the administration of Governor Peter Mbah, who has repeatedly condemned Ekpa’s actions, labeling him a “megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster.” The state government accused Ekpa of manipulating the emotions of the Igbo people while using the pretense of advocating for Biafran independence as a cover for personal enrichment.
“Ekpa thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the statement concluded.
