Enugu State Government Vows to Present Evidence Against Simon Ekpa

The Enugu State Government has announced its preparedness to provide evidence of alleged atrocities committed by Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the Enugu State Government, labeled Ekpa a "terrorist" with no regard for the welfare of the Igbo people.

Ekpa was arrested on November 21 in a northern European country and subsequently imprisoned by the district court of Päijät-Häme for "spreading terrorist propaganda on social media." Reports suggest that the alleged offenses date back to 2021 in the Lahti municipality.

Since 2021, rising violence in Nigeria's southeast has been largely attributed to the activities of Ekpa's faction of IPOB. Onyia welcomed the arrest as a vital step toward restoring peace in the region, stating that the Enugu State Government is ready to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against the Ndigbo people to assist in his trial, whether in Finland or Nigeria.

In a strong statement, the government referred to Ekpa as a "murderer" and "fraudster" who thrives on the suffering of his people. The administration underscored that his arrest and trial could significantly enhance peace, security, and stability throughout the southeast.

Governor Peter Mbah's administration has consistently condemned Ekpa as a "megalomaniac" and a common criminal, emphasizing the need to address the violence and manipulation affecting the region.