CSOs call for the extradition and prosecution of Simon Ekpa

A coalition of civil society groups, led by Rising Up for a United Nigeria (RUN) and the National Youth Council of Nigeria, has charged the Nigerian Government to employ all diplomatic measures to secure the extradition and prosecution of Barr. Simon Ekpa from Finland.

Briefing journalists on Monday in Abuja, the group alleged that Ekpa has financed numerous acts of terrorism, thereby exacerbating the instability in Southeastern Nigeria.

Solomon Adodo, the President of the National Youth Council of Nigeria, who read the statement on behalf of the coalition, said, “Mr Ekpa has sponsored so many acts of terrorism, directed from his safe haven and base in Finland against Southeastern Nigeria. He is an alleged criminal and his merchandise is in terrorism, setting the foundation for the crippling of the Southeast and adding to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s travails.”

The coalition also expressed deep disenchantment at the ongoing tensions and loss of life in the Southeastern States, drawing parallels to the Boko Haram terrorism in the Northeast.

“The signs and trappings of the Boko Haram terrorism have sadly become evident in the tragic developments in the Southeast,” Adodo added.

The group criticized the enforced Sit-at-Home order by IPOB, stating it has crippled the economy of the Southeast, with businesses folding up and investors and tourists avoiding the region.

They commended the efforts of stakeholders to end the policy, urging them not to relent until the zone is freed from the stranglehold of criminals masquerading as freedom campaigners.

The group expressed its concern over Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s recent announcement of an Economic Empowerment Day (EED), viewing it as a veiled threat to the Nigerian state.

The coalition warned that such activities have the potential to escalate into another security crisis in the region.

“This veiled aggression must therefore be nipped in the bud even before its seeds of discord are planted,” Adodo warned

The group however pledged to make their positions known to the United Nations and other international bodies.