The diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government to repatriate Simon Ekpa, one of the seccesionist leaders of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB has received a boost from the Nordic countries.
On Wednesday, the five Nordic countries made up of Finland, Norway, Sweden, Iceland and Norway gave their support to the federal government to ensure that Ekpa face justice.
The magazine reports that the federal government has solicited the support of Finland for the repatriation of Ekpa to face justice on terrorism related allegations, even though he has not been officially charged for the alleged crimes.
The five countries made the commitment in a meeting with Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar yesterday in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Leading the five countries to the meeting with the federal government, the Finnish government said legal proceedings involving Simon Ekpa will be concluded soon, to determine whether he will be sent back to Nigeria to face the law.
Elina Valtonen, the Finland Foreign Minister who spoke during the meeting with Tuggar disclosed that Ekpa’s case was being handled through Finland’s judicial system, which operates strictly by the rule of law.
She stated that the case will be handled basically on the rule of law without any political undertone.
Valtoren said, “If you are referring to a specific person (Ekpa) operating in Finland in a less than constructive manner, we have discussed this with the Nigerian authorities.
“Both our judicial systems are collaborating on this matter, and we hope it will soon be resolved.
“Both governments have stressed that the case is not a political issue but rather a judicial one, reaffirming their commitment to upholding the law as the proceedings unfold.”
Following the detention of Nnamdi Kanu by the federal government, IPOB has become even more deadly under Ekpa, who has vowed to ensure that the south is severed from Nigeria through violent means.
Under his leadership, IPOB through its enforcement arm, the Eastern Nigeria Security Network, ESN has launched ferocious attack against Nigeria’s security forces leading to the death of many soldiers and policemen in the south east region.
Amidst calls for his repatriation by not a few Nigerians, to face justice in Nigeria Ekpa has vowed to shut down the region if his demands are not met.
Meanwhile, Ekpa said on his X handle on Tuesday that the next Stay At Home order in the south east will last for one month, during which compliance will be strictly enforced.
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