Ekpa gained prominence after emerging as Director of Radio Biafra
Simon Ekpa, the Independent People of Biafra, IPOB ringleader who has masterminded the controversial sit-at-home protest in Southeast Nigeria, has been arrested by the International Criminal Police Organization, Interpol.
Interpol reportedly pickup the secessionist on Thursday in Finland.
His arrests come after a week of warning from the Finnish government about his criminal activities in Southeast Nigeria, which it described as International terrorism.
Who is Simon Ekpa?
Until the Buhari Government arrested Nnamdi Kanu, no one has heard about Simon Ekpa.
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However, after Kanu’s arrest, Ekpa became the lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra, associated with IPOB. Ekpa would only be on this job for a few weeks as he was sacked for violating the rules of the organisation.
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Born March 21, the 37-year-old lawyer, political activist, and former athlete gained notoriety for spreading fake news and inciting violence in southeastern Nigeria.
His IPOB splinter group, which he leads, has been accused of violent activities leading to numerous deaths while enforcing the sit-at-home in Southeast on Mondays.
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Finland Authorities warning
Ahead of the general elections in Nigeria, Ekpa began to threaten sit-at-home throughout the election period, from February 23 – 28, declaring that the whole region must not participate in the election.
“I want Biafrans to understand that on these days mentioned, it will be an open war between Biafra and Nigeria because we are fighting to protect our life, our property, our villages, our cultures, and values. So, anybody who the Nigerian government sends to come and fight Biafra, we will engage you,” he had threatened in his Facebook broadcast.
A few days after, a letter purported to come from the Finnish authorities circulated online threatening to arrest the secessionist.
The Finnish embassy in Nigeria would later deny issuing the letter, only for the INTERPOL to arrest him on Thursday.