UPDATED: Interpol Arrests IPOB’s Self-Acclaimed New Leader Simon Ekpa Over Threat To Stop Elections In Nigeria’s South East
Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been arrested by the International Criminal Police Organization, known as Interpol, in Finland.
Ekpa was picked up from his residence near the Lahti Market Square in Finland after his alleged threat to stop the forthcoming general elections from holding in Nigeria’s South East region.
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Ekpa, who claimed to have replaced Nnamdi Kanu as IPOB leader following his arrest and detention on treason charges, tweeted on Thursday: “We the people of Biafra will fight to the end this time.”
Prior to Ekpa’s arrest, the Nigerian Government had summoned the Ambassador of Finland in Nigeria, expressing serious concern over his threat to disrupt the elections.
IPOB is an outlawed separatist group seeking the declaration of Nigeria’s South East region as the Republic of Biafra.
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The Finnish Embassy in Nigeria had earlier issued a statement, saying it condemns all forms of violence and incitement to violence following Ekpa’s threats.
It reads, “With reference to the upcoming elections in Nigeria, the Embassy of Finland in Nigeria reiterates Finland’s clear and unequivocal condemnation of all forms of violence and incitement to violence. Political aims should be pursued solely through political means.
“The Embassy underlines the importance of and Finland’s full support to the safe and secure conduct of the upcoming elections in all parts of Nigeria. Nationally and through the EU Finland is strongly invested in the success of the electoral process.
“The Embassy has been approached with questions about the position of Finland regarding events in Southeast Nigeria. Our position is very clear: We cannot in any way condone calls for stopping the conduct of elections, or any actions aimed at preventing people from exercising their democratic rights. Every individual has the right not to vote, but actions aimed at preventing others from doing so are clearly not acceptable.
“Finland fully shares the concerns regarding the security situation in Southeast Nigeria. Finland and Nigeria have discussed the situation, and Finnish and Nigerian authorities are cooperating on the matter. The Embassy cannot, however, comment in public on the content of this cooperation.
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“A lot of disinformation is currently circulating online on Finland’s role and positions, including a letter allegedly signed by the Prime Minister of Finland. Please note, that the document is a fake, and does not originate from the Government of Finland.”
