Ohanaeze Ndigbo hails Simon Ekpa’s extradition from Finland to Nigeria
Ohanaeze Ndigbo hails Simon Ekpa’s extradition from Finland to Nigeria
Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural body, has expressed strong support for the decision of a Finnish court approving the extradition of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa to Nigeria.
Describing the verdict as a major victory for the South-East, Ohanaeze said the move paves the way for renewed peace and the restoration of dignity across the region.
In a statement jointly signed by Deputy President General Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro and National Spokesman Chief Thompson Ohia, the organisation applauded the Federal Government’s coordinated efforts, particularly those of Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa, National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, and Minister of State for Defence Dr. Bello Matawalle.
Ohanaeze condemned Ekpa’s activities, accusing him of masterminding a campaign of terror that included illegal sit-at-home orders and deadly attacks, which have severely disrupted lives and economies in the South-East.
They stressed that Ekpa’s prosecution will serve as a strong deterrent to others engaging in similar acts of violence and lawlessness, and commended President Bola Tinubu for backing the extradition process.
The group firmly rejected Ekpa as a criminal unrepresentative of Igbo values, insisting that the region does not support his divisive and violent agenda.
The statement read: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo boldly articulates that Simon Ekpa epitomizes an opportunist masquerading as a freedom fighter, ultimately revealing his true self as a mere social media content creator when apprehended abroad. His veiled intentions have laid waste to our collective spirit and hindered our aspirations for economic growth and social advancement. His rogue faction, known infamously as ‘the Autopilot,’ has engaged in heinous acts of terror under the guise of Biafran agitation, and it is essential that he faces justice for the turmoil he has caused.
“Let it be unequivocally noted that the Igbo people harbor no sympathy for Simon Ekpa; indeed, we denounce him as a common criminal who has brought shame and disgrace not only upon himself and his immediate kin but upon all of Ndigbo. Therefore, we declare once more, with unwavering conviction, that at no time has the Igbo community supported his criminal conspiracies or violent acts. Let him face the full weight of justice for the grievous consequences of his actions against our people.”
