Tag: Indigenous people of Biafra(IPOB)

  • FG Monitors Ekpa’s Trial in Finland

    FG Monitors Ekpa’s Trial in Finland

    The Nigerian government is closely watching the legal proceedings against Simon Ekpa, the Nigerian-Finnish leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), following his arrest in Finland. 

    Ekpa was taken into custody on November 21, 2024, after Finnish authorities charged him with inciting terrorism and promoting violence through social media.

    The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ordered his detention based on the severity of the charges, which allege that Ekpa’s online activities have fueled violence in Nigeria’s South-East region. 

    In a statement, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the arrest and reiterated its commitment to tracking the case as it unfolds, noting the importance of addressing the actions of transnational groups like IPOB that pose a threat to Nigeria’s security.

    Previously, the Nigerian government had urged Finland to take action against Ekpa’s activities. 

    As the legal proceedings continue, officials have pledged to monitor the situation and ensure that the matter is dealt with in accordance with Finnish law.

  • Igbos in diaspora write Gov Uzodinma, to support Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention

    Igbos in diaspora write Gov Uzodinma, to support Nnamdi Kanu’s release from detention

    A group of Igbos in diaspora has formally written Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma pleading passionately for his intervention in the on-going struggle to get the detained IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu released from detention by the Federal Government.

    The group solicited Uzodinma to be interested in the travails and trial of Kanu in treasonable felony by the federal government and join the bid for the way out of the logjam.

    The group operating under the aegis of American Veterans of Igbo Descent (AVID) asked the governor to have a change of heart in the matters of Kanu and throw his support for his release for genuine peace to reign in the South East Region.

    Their letter dated April 14, 2024, was signed by
    Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID President and Dr. Godson Obiagwu as Secretary.

    The group claimed that the incerceration of Kanu by government has done havocs than good for all the Igbo speaking States and reiterated the need for his release to enable business and commercial activities bounce back for the people in the region.

    In the letter, the group criticized the lukewarm attitude of the governor to insecurity in the region, especially in Imo State, where they claimed that several lives have been lost without any concrete response from the state government.

    The letter read in part, “A worrisome show of contempt for Igbos is covert conspiracies against the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) since his infamous extraordinary rendition from Kenya into Nigeria in the year 2021 and the persecution that ensued.

    “It has become obvious that you do not want Mazi Nnamdi Kanu released from the unlawful incarceration the Federal Government of Nigeria subjected him to.

    “While we are aware that several meritorious applications had before now been made to the trial Federal High Court Judge for the release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu on bail, we have come to the ugly realization that Your Excellency is behind the continual refusal of such bail applications.

    “You are aware that in so far as Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains unlawfully detained in the Nigeria security service’s facilities, there would be no peace in Igbo land and the spate of youth restiveness and violence would know no bounds.

    “Nigerians know how the infamous attempt at Kanu’s life under Operation Python Dance
    was planned and executed.

    “While we regret the entirety of your acts and deeds against Igbo nation and your secret
    vows to ensure that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu rots in detention, we honestly believe that you
    can turn over a new leaf.

    “We therefore request that Your Excellency returns the Igbo spirit of ONYE AGHANA
    NWANNE YA and work toward peace in Igbo land.

    “And howsoever Your Excellency does
    it is not material to us provided there is a return to peace and tranquility.

    “We are very optimistic that Your Excellency would have a change of heart and work
    towards peace in Igbo land”, the letter said.