• How Nnamdi Kanu tried to stop his ‘increasingly radicalism’ from prison

Finnish authorities arrested Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra Government in Exile, BRGIE, last Thursday. This has raised questions about who he is and what he stands for.

Born on March 21, 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Ekpa has emerged as one of the most controversial and polarising figures in the ongoing Biafra agitation movement.

He has been a key figure in the Biafra agitation movement, advocating for the independence of the Igbo people in southeastern Nigeria. Ekpa’s activities have been linked to the widespread violence, insecurity and economic instability that have plagued the region for four years.

In 2023, he was briefly arrested by Finnish authorities but was quickly released, and efforts to extradite him have since stalled.

At the time, the Finnish government was reported to have cited legal protections afforded to Ekpa as a citizen, as well as the absence of concrete evidence directly linking him to the violence in Nigeria as reasons for his release.

The Autopilot leader’s actions have been widely condemned by various stakeholders, including Nigerian government, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, and other Igbo leaders who view him as a dangerous radical whose actions have brought turmoil to an unstable region.

Early life

From his early days as a promising athlete to his present role as a key leader in the quest for Biafran independence, Ekpa’s life has been marked by radical shifts and escalating tensions, both within his community and with the Nigerian government. His early life in southeastern Nigeria was shaped by his talents in athletics. He won a silver medal in the 100-meter race at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon, marking a peak in his sports career. However, a knee injury later forced him to quit athletics, leaving him to chart a new path in life. This transition would eventually lead him to a far more controversial role.

Renouncement

In September 2021, Ekpa made headlines for his dramatic renouncement of Nigeria. In a highly publicized statement, he vowed to return his 2003 silver medal as a symbolic rejection of the country he no longer identified with. By 2022, Ekpa formally renounced his Nigerian citizenship, underscoring his deepening commitment to the cause of Biafran independence. In July 2024, Ekpa claimed to have returned his medal to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Life in Finland

Ekpa moved to Finland in 2007, where he settled in Lahti with his family. He became a Finnish citizen, learned the language, and even completed military service in the Finnish Army’s Häme Regiment in 2013, solidifying his ties to the country. From 2015 to 2019, he served as the Chairman of the Igbo Union in Finland and also chaired the Playground Board in Lahti between 2017 and 2021. His political ambitions expanded as he entered Finnish politics, running for office in 2017 and 2022 under the National Coalition Party of Finland.

Ekpa has described himself as a legal expert and advisor, claiming to hold a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Aberystwyth University in Wales. However, despite his assertions, the university has not confirmed this qualification, leading to questions about the validity of his legal credentials

Rise to prominence

Ekpa’s rise in the Biafra agitation movement was catalyzed by the arrest of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). As Kanu’s detention left a leadership vacuum, Ekpa stepped into the role and began issuing directives and instructions to his followers.

During Kanu’s absence, Ekpa positioned himself as a key figure in the movement, leveraging his social media presence and online broadcasts to gain followers and influence. He made himself the leader of the “Autopilot” faction of IPOB, an ideology that advocates for a more militant approach to Biafra’s independence, contrasting with Kanu’s more diplomatic stance.

His leadership has been disputed within IPOB, with some members questioning his authority and accusing him of hijacking the movement for personal gain. The tension between Ekpa and Kanu grew as ideological differences surfaced, particularly around the use of violence in the struggle for Biafra’s independence

While Kanu favoured peaceful methods, Ekpa’s rhetoric and strategies became increasingly radical.

The split

In 2022, Ekpa was officially suspended by IPOB for his “recalcitrant and uncooperative” behaviour. In response, he declared himself the leader of the “Autopilot” faction and launched a campaign that distanced him from Kanu’s leadership.

Kanu’s order

Following the killings in South-East by unknown gunmen and inciting statements by Ekpa, in 2023, Kanu had to write a letter from detention, telling Ekpa to stop issuing sit-at-home orders in the region.

Kanu, in a handwritten letter to Mr Ekpa, asked the agitator to make a public announcement acknowledging receipt of the order from him.

Aloy Ejimakor, special counsel to Mr Kanu, posted copies of the handwritten letter from the IPOB leader on his verified Twitter handle.

The letter read: “Simon (Ekpa), this is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling for any sit-at-home henceforth.

“Equally refrain from antagonising governors or persons in political positions because you are not in a position to know what they are doing on my behalf.

“I am ordering you to make a public announcement to the effect that you are in receipt of a direct order from me to cancel any pending or future sit-at-home order at the moment.

“I embarked on this movement to liberate our people, not to enslave them. I despise and will despise any person or entity that wishes to inflict unnecessary hardship on our people.

“I have authorised Aloy (Ejimakor) to issue a press statement if you fail to make this announcement on your platform.”

But a defiant Ekpa dismissed the letter, describing it as the handiwork of ‘’Islamic SSS.’’
“As the prime minister of Biafra under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I call on all Biafrans to disregard the fake letter coming from the SSS. We can’t take any order from the Islamic SSS and that is final,” Ekpa said.

Sins

Meanwhile, his sins are encapsulated in the accusation of inciting violence in the region leveled against his faction, with allegations of his involvement in financing and coordinating attacks carried out by unknown gunmen and armed groups that have been responsible for widespread violence in Igboland.

IPOB had accused him of manipulating and coercing followers, engaging in cult-like behaviour, and mismanaging funds intended for the organization.

They also claim that his actions have put lives at risk by promoting a militant approach that undermines IPOB’s broader political objectives.

Nigerian government, on the other hand, linked Ekpa to unknown gunmen and accused him of terrorism, alleging that he has been financing violent activities in the southeast and promoting secessionist violence.

Failed attempts

Several efforts had been made to bring Ekpa to justice in the past. In 2022, government obtained an international arrest warrant, which was issued by a Federal High Court in Abuja.

It also requested that Interpol issue a Red Notice for Ekpa, which would require member countries to provisionally arrest him pending extradition.

Also, in July 2023, the Senate called on federal government to collaborate with Finnish Government and extradite Ekpa from Finland.

While he is widely accused of being behind the violence that has bedevilled the South-East, Ekpa’s influence over the separatist movement is undeniable.

Nonetheless, his arrest has generated mixed feelings across the region, with many endorsing it while a few others seem indifferent.

Some Igbo leaders contacted on the new development, however, applauded the move but expressed concerns about their safety given their belief that Ekpa is largely behind current insecurity in the area.
In fact, Ekpa’s BRGIE was accused of working with others to perpetrate insecurity in Igboland.

Reacting to the matter, United Igbo Elders Council, UNIEC, cautioned against what was described as mishandling of the issues concerning Simon Ekpa.

The group instead, proposed what it called a diplomatic solution, urging government to liaise with Finnish authorities to halt his alleged broadcasts and neutralize his inflammatory activities.
Also, the body cautioned against seeking Ekpa’s extradition, arguing that such moves could be perceived as an opportunity for marginalization of Igbo.

Restrained

This was noted in a statement by the Director of Media and Publicity of UNIEC, Prof. Obasi Igwe. According to the statement, “the unlawful capture, extraordinary rendition, torture, and prolonged detention of Nnamdi Kanu have undermined the unity and strength of the Igbo people within the current political framework. Releasing Kanu would not only reaffirm the government’s commitment to equity and justice but also help restore peace in the South-East region.

“While we raised concerns about the alleged activities of Simon Ekpa, whose actions have exacerbated tensions and furthered narratives that justify anti-Igbo measures under the guise of counterinsurgency, UNIEC make bold to say that the previous administration in Nigeria covertly enabled Ekpa to maintain chaos through violent rhetoric and disruptive orders, such as the now-discontinued Monday Weekly sit-at-home protests. “UNIEC therefore, proposes a diplomatic solution to the Ekpa issue and urges the Nigerian government to liaise with Finnish authorities to halt his broadcasts and neutralize his alleged inflammatory activities.

“We caution against seeking Ekpa’s extradition because such moves could be perceived as a pretext for further ethnic marginalization and violence against Ndigbo.

“Release Nnamdi Kanu and leave Simon Ekpa restrained in Finland. That is our stand. With Kanu’s freedom, there would be no legitimate basis for anyone to continue a struggle purportedly aimed at securing his release.

“We reiterate our commitment to peaceful resolution and call for concerted efforts to address the grievances of the Southeast through dialogue and inclusiveness, rather than punitive measures. Our position reflects a broader call for national reconciliation and highlights the urgent need for justice to promote unity.” (Vanguard)