FG will liaise with EU to take action against Simon Ekpa, says DHQ

The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) says the federal government will liaise with the European Union (EU) to take necessary action against Simon Ekpa.

Ekpa is a self-acclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, detained leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

In June 2021, Kanu was detained by the Department of State Services (DSS) after his extradited from Kenya.

The government accused Kanu of committing treasonable felony for leading the secession movement.

Over the years, IPOB had declared a sit-at-home order across the south-east states to demand the release of Kanu.

Ekpa continued asking residents of the states in the region to observe the sit-at-home in the region despite contrary warnings by IPOB.

In March, 2024, the DHQ declared 97 suspected terrorists wanted, including Ekpa who is based in Finland.

In a post via X on Wednesday, Ekpa announced plans to declare December 2 as the map presentation and official declaration of the Biafra Republic.

“The Biafra government is preparing to present the complete map of Biafra on December 2, 2024,” he said.

He urged the Nigerian government to participate in the upcoming “Biafra convention” in Finland.

Ekpa had also threatened a 30-day lockdown of Nigerian institutions in the south-east if Kanu is not released.

Reacting to the post, Edward Buba, director of defence media operations, said Ekpa will be held accountable for “perpetrating acts of terrorism” in Nigeria.

“Indeed, the FG will go through appropriate channels to table the matter before the EU in order for action to be taken against him [Ekpa],” Buba told TheCable.

“The EU champions democracy and human rights across the world. Accordingly, the government will present its case to EU authorities in order for Simon Ekpa to be held accountable for acts of terrorism he is perpetrating in Nigeria.”