CDS Musa hails arrest of separatist Simon Ekpa in Finland, seeks extradition to Nigeria

The arrest and detention of the factional leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, by Finnish authorities has delighted the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa.

Ekpa’s arrest was reported in his Finland base on Thursday, with the separatist infamous for his dangerous and divisive rhetoric about his native Nigeria.

The Director of Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, shared Musa’s views in a statement on Thursday in Abuja.

“CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” he said.

Also, the Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, said the CDS had always called for the arrest of Ekpa following his deep involvement in fuelling terrorism in South-East Nigeria.

“We are delighted about his arrest and glad that the international community is partnering with Nigeria in our fight against terrorism,” he added.

The military, in March, declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the country.

Among those declared wanted was Ekpa, who is based in Finland but is believed to be behind the insecurity in the South-East region.