The controversial pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa, arrested in Finland in November 2024 on terrorism-related charges, is still embroiled in legal proceedings, confirmed Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, Musa stated that Ekpa remains under prosecution in Finland.
Highlighting the ongoing complexity of international cases involving terrorism.
Ekpa’s case has drawn wide attention due to his alleged role in inciting violence and separatism in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The Finnish District Court scheduled the trial to begin with a preparatory hearing on May 30, 2025.
The prosecutor is seeking a six-year jail sentence.
Accusations against Ekpa include public incitement to commit terrorism, participation in terrorist activities, and aggravated tax fraud.
Ekpa denies these charges.
But Finnish authorities maintain that his online propaganda has fueled unrest in Nigeria’s volatile Southeastern states.
Specifically targeting the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement.
The Finnish Trial Marking a Political Turmoil
Finland’s handling of the case has become a flashpoint between the two countries.
While Finland pursues justice based on its legal standards, Nigeria’s government and military seek to demonstrate commitment to regional security and sovereignty.
Musa noted that Ekpa’s arrest has tangibly improved security in the South-East, implying that prosecuting agitators abroad yields benefits at home.
Yet, the question remains whether Finland’s legal actions can fully appease the Nigerian authorities and public demands.
Military Crackdown Intensifies in South-East Nigeria
General Musa revealed that the Nigerian military has intensified its operations targeting Ekpa’s associates across the South-East.
Troops are actively pursuing his lieutenants in Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states as part of a broader crackdown on separatist and insurgent elements.
Musa stressed relentless efforts will continue against individuals like Simon Ekpa wherever they reside until they are neutralized.
Musa said, “He (Ekpa) is still undergoing prosecution in Finland. We are hopeful.
When we talked about him, people thought we were making noise, but since he has been arrested, the South-East is getting better.”
His message was clear: the Nigerian military intends to root out all threats disrupting peace in the region, regardless of whether the suspects are inside or outside Nigeria.
Arrest of Ansaru Terrorist Leaders: A Recent Military Triumph
In a controversial parallel development, General Musa lauded the capture of top commanders of the Ansaru terrorist group, a violent faction linked to al-Qaeda.
The arrests were made between May and July 2025 after detailed intelligence-led joint operations among the Nigerian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Musa described these arrests as significant and commended the newfound synergy among security agencies as a key factor behind recent successes.
He said the coordinated approach among the military branches marks a turning point in Nigeria’s protracted fight against terrorism.
With the Ansaru leaders’ arrest hailed as one of the most critical security gains in months.
“What has changed is that we have synergy with all the organizations and that is why we have seen all the successes,” he stated.
Cross-Border Cooperation and Regional Security
Looking ahead, General Musa announced that Nigeria will host the inaugural African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference from August 25 to 27, 2025, in Abuja.
This high-profile summit aims to strengthen continental security cooperation through strategic defense collaborations among African nations.
The conference seeks to foster collective responses to persistent regional security threats and integrate private sector contributions into defense strategies.
Musa emphasized that tackling terrorism and insurgency requires cross-border collaboration for sustainable impact.
The conference is expected to showcase African defense capabilities and promote homegrown solutions to regional security challenges.
The event is a clear signal Nigeria intends to assert leadership in shaping Africa’s security agenda without undue external influence.
A Critical Perspective: Unfulfilled Security Promises?
Despite the Nigerian military’s declarations, critics argue that the ongoing insecurity in the South-East raises questions about the effectiveness of these operations.
Simon Ekpa’s arrest, while symbolically significant, has yet to translate into lasting peace.
Insurgencies, separatist agitations, and violence persist, suggesting that military strategies alone may not resolve deeply rooted political and ethnic grievances.
Furthermore, relying on foreign legal systems to prosecute individuals like Ekpa may provoke nationalist criticism as Nigeria abdicates its own judicial responsibilities.
The continued legal wrangling in Finland presents an image of international complication rather than decisive justice.
Media and Public Backlash
There is growing controversy over the portrayal of Ekpa and the military’s narrative.
Supporters of the IPOB and pro-Biafra cause vehemently reject the terrorism labels slapped on Simon Ekpa.
Framing him as a political prisoner and freedom fighter.
Meanwhile, Nigerians weary of military excesses question the synergy among security agencies.
Pointing to ongoing human rights concerns in military operations.
Additionally, the arrest of terrorist leaders like Ansaru commanders, though lauded.
Raises alarms about the cyclical nature of violence, with factions regularly regrouping and adapting.
The Nigerian Security Puzzle Remains Complex
The prosecution in Finland, military crackdowns in the South-East.
And recent victories against terrorist groups symbolize both progress and persistent challenges.
Nigeria’s hosting of the African Chiefs of Defence Staff conference reflects an ambition to turn cooperation into results.
However, fractures within Nigerian society and the international legal limbo surrounding agitators like Simon Ekpa expose deeper dilemmas.
Sustainable peace will depend not only on arrests and military victories but also on addressing the political and social causes of unrest that no court verdict or army operation can erase overnight.
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