*Simon Ekpa still held in Prison as Finland Weighs extradition
*Fears grips separatist leader over extradition to Nigeria
*American Military veterans of Igbo descent demand Nnamdi Kanu’s release
By Augustine Aminu
Two of the suspects arrested alongside Simon Ekpa have been released by the Finnish government.
Ekpa, arrested on November 21, 2024, along with four others, faced accusations of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism in Nigeria.
Following his arrest, he was remanded in prison by the Päijät-Häme district court for allegedly “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.”
The five men have been incarcerated since November 2024.
However, sources have confirmed that two of Ekpa’s alleged accomplices have since been freed by Finnish authorities.
The names of the released individuals or the specific reasons for their release remain undisclosed as of the time of this report.
Government sources, who declined to offer further details, confirmed Ekpa remains in custody.
This development follows an announcement by Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, confirming that the country has requested Ekpa’s extradition.
Gen. Musa said the requirements for the extradition of the separatist have been forwarded to Finland Government.
While not revealing so much, the Defence Chief however said “Legal action is going to be taken accordingly.
“The Federal Government has actually forwarded most of the requirements to the Finnish Government. So, I’m sure the right thing will be done,” he added.
Findings revealed that the Finnish government is working with the Nigerian government on ending the violence activities of IPOB in the Southern part of the country.
In another development, The American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, AVID, have again demanded the release of the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group said Kanu should be released for peace to reign in the South East.
In a statement in Abuja, the American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent expressed optimism that Kanu’s release would reduce the crime rate by 95 percent in the region.
The statement was signed by Dr. Sylvester Onyia, AVID President and the Secretary, Dr. Godson Obiagwu on behalf of the group.
Parts of the statement read, “Mazi Nnamdi Kanu remains a brother, son, and father to many Igbos and non-Igbos who have associated with him and seen his positive vision for everyone.
“His popularity has multiplied over the past years, as has his unshakeable stand on our collective conviction as a people. His nonviolent approach makes him more likeable.
“The reason Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released immediately and unconditionally now rather than later is to distinguish between apples and oranges.
“We believe that if Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is freed today crimes will go down up to 95%, whoever questions this maybe discreetly supporting and sponsoring insecurity in Southeast and blaming it on Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
“For those opposing his release are simply making money with his infamous and illegal detention. American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent, (AVID) as a body maintains that there is more to gain than to lose when he gets freed.
“Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State, who previously stated that releasing Mazi Nnamdi Kanu would reduce crime in the southeast, should be aware that nothing has changed.
“While we still believe in his initial position, we strongly disagree with him now that his release will not reduce crime in the southeast. If this is his new position, it means that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu is not the cause of insecurity in the Southeast.
“We also agree with Governor Soludo that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s name is being used in committing crimes.
“The initial thought by the previous administration was that his incarceration will end the agitation and having kept him for this long and nothing has changed, isn’t it better to free him now and engage him for a better future for all of us.
“American Military Veterans of Igbo Descent stand that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu must be released, it’s a fight between evil and good”, he said.
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