Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex Igbo sociocultural organization, has issued a statement celebrating the Finnish Court’s decision to approve Simon Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria. The organization described the ruling as a “landmark victory” and “decisive affirmation of justice” for the Southeast region, which has experienced significant unrest attributed to Ekpa’s activities.
In their press release, Ohanaeze Ndigbo extended commendations to key security officials including the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa; the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; and the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawelle for their efforts in addressing insecurity in the Southeast. The organization credited these officials with working diligently to combat what they described as “criminality and aberrations” perpetuated under Ekpa’s direction.
According to the statement, Ekpa, who styled himself as the “Unrecognised Prime Minister” of a “Biafra Government in Exile,” orchestrated a campaign that resulted in widespread violence, including the enforcement of destructive “sit-at-home” directives that paralyzed economic activities in the region. Ohanaeze Ndigbo characterized him as “an opportunist masquerading as a freedom fighter” whose actions have caused substantial socio-economic damage.
The organization firmly stated that Igbo people “harbor no sympathy for Simon Ekpa” and denounced him as a “common criminal” who has brought “shame and disgrace” upon the Igbo community. They expressed support for his prosecution on terrorism charges and anticipated his trial would commence by July 2025. The statement was jointly signed by Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro, Deputy President General, and Chief Thompson Ohia, National Spokesman of Ohanaeze Ndigbo.