The Enugu State Government has welcomed the recent arrest of Simon Ekpa by Finnish authorities, calling him a “terrorist and criminal” responsible for inciting unrest in the South-East region. The government strongly condemned Ekpa’s actions, which it claims have destabilized the area and harmed the well-being of the Igbo people.

In a statement issued on Friday by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the Secretary to the State Government, Enugu officials expressed their readiness to provide evidence against Ekpa, who was apprehended in Lahti, Finland, on terrorism charges. The government believes that his arrest and subsequent trial will contribute significantly to restoring peace and security in the region.

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The statement emphasized that Ekpa, who has been living in Finland, has exploited his position to manipulate and extort the people of the South-East. According to the Enugu State Government, his actions have created fear and chaos, undermining the Igbo culture of resilience and entrepreneurship.

“Ekpa has, for too long, operated from Finland, perpetuating a climate of fear and violence in the South-East. He has made a career out of extorting the people under the guise of fighting for their interests and the cause of Biafra,” the statement read.

The Enugu State Government reaffirmed its commitment to cooperating with Finnish authorities to ensure that Ekpa faces justice for his alleged role in inciting violence and fostering instability in the region. The arrest marks a significant step toward restoring peace and stability to the South-East.