The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, has expressed confidence that the Finnish government will extradite Simon Ekpa, the factional leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), to Nigeria to face charges related to his involvement in acts of violence in the Southeast.
Ekpa was arrested in Finland on Thursday.
In a statement issued by the Director of Defence Information, Brig.-Gen. Tukur Gusau, Gen. Musa welcomed the arrest, noting that it marked a significant step towards ensuring Ekpa’s accountability in Nigeria.
“The CDS is pleased with his arrest in Finland, with the hope that this will lead to his extradition to Nigeria, where he will stand trial for his actions,” the statement read.
Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, the Director of Defence Media Operations, also reiterated the military’s long-standing call for Ekpa’s arrest, citing his key role in inciting terrorism and violence in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
“We are delighted with his arrest and pleased that the international community is collaborating with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism,” Buba said.
The Nigerian military had previously issued a list of 97 individuals wanted for terrorism, violent extremism, and secessionist activities, with Ekpa prominently featured.
DAILY GAZETTE had earlier reported how Ekpa was arrested and detained in Finland.
