By Zayd Ibn Isah, 

Simon Ekpa, the self-styled leader of the Biafra secessionist movement, appears to be facing his long-overdue reckoning following his arrest by the Finnish government on allegations of terrorism. Ekpa has consistently stirred the hornet’s nest for years with his incendiary remark and actions, so much so that his name has become synonymous with terror in the once peaceful and thriving southeastern region of Nigeria.

Ekpa rose to prominence after the erstwhile leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, was arrested in Kenya and extradited to Nigeria to face justice under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR. Like Kanu, Ekpa’s leadership and influence enabled the perpetration of a cycle of violence and instability that has made lives nasty, brutish and short (Apologies to Thomas Hobbes).

Even now, following his arrest, IPOB has emerged to distance itself from Simon Ekpa, vehemently denying any affiliation with him and declaring that he was never a member of the group, let alone its leader. Whether this claim is believable remains to be seen. However, one thing is certain: Ekpa’s self-proclaimed sit-at-home orders, enforced through fear and brutality, have crippled the region’s economy and inflicted unimaginable suffering on the people he claims to represent. Schools, markets, and businesses have been forced to close, and innocent lives have been lost—all in the name of a misguided agitation for independence.

Ekpa was reportedly appointed to oversee the affairs of Radio Biafra following Kanu’s arrest in June 2021. However, after being dismissed from the role, he formed his own faction. From that point onward, Ekpa began issuing orders, including the controversial sit-at-home directives, which IPOB’s leadership has publicly and repeatedly disavowed.

This faction, led by Ekpa, has been linked to escalating violence in the region, including attacks on security forces and the destruction of public property. Recently, Ekpa declared himself the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE) and oversaw the formation of an armed group called the ‘Biafra Liberation Army.’ What Ekpa and his followers fail to grasp is that justice cannot be built on a foundation of injustice and blind brutality. There is no strategy for agitation more self-defeating than one that amounts to cutting off your nose to spite your face.

Throughout history, true leadership has required accountability and a commitment to the welfare of one’s people, rather than the reckless perpetuation of fear and violence. This is something Simon Ekpa fundamentally failed to understand—until his recent arrest.

The consequences of IPOB’s activities are staggering. A recent report estimates that sit-at-home orders and violence have cost the southeastern economy over ₦5 trillion in lost productivity over the past two years. Small businesses, which form the backbone of the region’s economy, have borne the brunt of the crisis, with thousands closing their doors permanently. Education has also been severely disrupted, with countless children missing significant periods of schooling due to fear of attacks. Healthcare systems, already strained, have seen delays in critical services as movement is restricted on declared sit-at-home days.

Now, Simon Ekpa has come to judgement—not equity. For he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. Ekpa’s hands are stained with the blood of innocent Nigerians in southeastern Nigeria. At the height of his reign, as stated earlier, he declared himself “Prime Minister” and created an office—a position he later denied in a Finnish court. Imagine a king denying his kingdom! What manner of “Prime Minister” is this? If Simon Ekpa were Moses, I doubt he would have been able to lead his people to the promised land.

This is someone who was almost running a parallel government from Finland, barking orders to his foot soldiers at home, who wreaked havoc at will. Faced with the prospect of jail, he is now backtracking. Doesn’t this betrayal of trust confirm the allegations of using the secessionist agitation to enrich himself and his cronies?

If there is anything his arrest and subsequent remand in prison have demonstrated, it is that the long arm of the law, though sometimes delayed, is relentless. Interpol’s involvement in investigating his activities sends a strong message: incitement to violence and terrorism knows no borders. Nations that once served as safe havens for such agitators are waking up to the consequences of harbouring individuals who incite chaos abroad.

Simon Ekpa’s rhetoric and actions have exposed the dangerous intersection of diaspora activism and local instability. From his Finnish base, he exploited digital platforms to spread propaganda and issue directives, while the real cost of his commands was borne by Nigerians on the ground. This disconnect between the instigator and the affected is emblematic of the broader challenges posed by globalized radicalism. Tragically, this chaos was allowed to go on for far too long.

As Simon Ekpa faces the prospect of repatriation to Nigeria to face the full wrath of the law, it is imperative to reflect on the broader implications of his actions. The Southeast, a region historically known for its industrious spirit and resilience, has been hijacked by a narrative of violence, stagnation, and division. Yet, the people of the region deserve better. They deserve leaders who prioritize dialogue over belligerence and unity over division. It is high time right-thinking Nigerians in the South East rise up to counter rhetoric that unfairly cripples the progress of their homelands.

This moment should also serve as a wake-up call to Nigerians at home and in the diaspora. While grievances and aspirations are valid in any democracy, the methods employed to address them must remain lawful and constructive. Ekpa’s judgement should not only be seen as a reckoning for his actions but also as a deterrent to others who might consider taking a similar path.

His arrest also reminds me of another self-acclaimed secessionist leader, Adeyinka Grandson (now forgotten), who was advocating for a Yoruba nation with his platform, Young Yorubas for Freedom. He spoke ill of other tribes, especially the major tribes, on social media, but it wasn’t long before he got his comeuppance. He is now serving a four-year jail term in a UK prison. Sadly, the country is bedeviled by secessionist agitations left, right, and centre, more than sixty years after independence. Almost all the regions feel marginalized. And this has given rise to mutual suspicion.

South East is a region that has been made to feel marginalized for several years, it is important for this administration to cultivate ways to fully reintegrate the South East into a renewed sense of hope and national cohesion. Such efforts would counter secessionist discourse that thrives on the belief that the South East is unfairly sidelined in the country’s grand scheme. Now more than ever, the federal government needs to re-establish a strong sense of presence and involvement within the region. This would not only curtail secessionist propaganda but reaffirm the inclusion and significance of the South East to Nigeria’s progress as a nation. Gone are the days when disruptive figures or groups could exert undue authority over people who are meant to obey only constituted authority.

As the curtain begins to fall on Simon Ekpa’s campaign of terror, one can only hope that his judgement will herald a new dawn of peace, progress and genuine leadership for the South East. More of his ilk should now understand that the perpetration of violence and instability will no longer be tolerated. Nigerians have already endured a great deal due to ongoing reforms under the new dispensation. While they hope for a light at the end of the tunnel, they cannot afford to suffer more pain and loss from the likes of Simon Ekpa. At this juncture, there must be a resounding reminder that no one is above the law and that the path to freedom should never be paved with the blood and tears of the innocent citizens.

Finally, the jubilation that greeted Simon Ekpa’s arrest in Finland points to the fact that many Nigerians are still committed to a peaceful, prosperous, and indissoluble country. As I always say, what binds us together is stronger than what tears us apart. The fault lines are always there, but, as someone once said, we will continue to disagree to agree, but never to disintegrate. Just as our national anthem reminds us, “though tribe and tongue may differ, in brotherhood we stand”.

Zayd Ibn Isah can be reached at lawcadet1@gmail.com

Violence erupted in Onitsha on Old Market Road, near Venn Road North, after a confrontation between suspected Anambra State revenue collectors and an angry mob, leaving three people feared dead and several others injured.

The chaos began when a tipper truck, being chased by revenue officials for non-payment, lost control and struck a pedestrian, killing him instantly.

Enraged by the incident, a group of local youths formed a mob and attacked the revenue agents, using clubs, sticks, and stones.

Two of the revenue officials were reportedly killed in the ensuing attack.

Witnesses to the incident shared that the tipper driver had been forced to swerve when revenue agents jumped into the vehicle to grab the steering wheel, resulting in the fatal crash.

An eyewitness, who identified himself as Mr. Jackson, described the revenue agents as “touts” who regularly harass motorists in the area.

He said, “The revenue agents have been terrorizing people in this area, especially drivers. On that day, they chased the tipper, and the situation escalated when the driver lost control and hit a pedestrian. The mob then retaliated by killing two of the agents.”

The police were alerted and arrived at the scene, removing the bodies of the two slain agents and transporting the injured to an undisclosed hospital.

Tensions in Onitsha have escalated, with residents reportedly beginning to target the revenue agents, whom they blame for creating a climate of fear in the city.

Onitsha’s Area Commander, ACP Nzota Chidi, confirmed the incident and expressed frustration over his repeated warnings to the revenue agents.

He lamented that efforts to counsel them had been ignored, which ultimately led to the violent clash.

“I have been trying to keep the peace in this area, but it’s clear that my efforts haven’t been effective. Now the situation has gotten out of hand. For now, we know that one pedestrian was killed by the tipper, while two revenue agents were seriously injured.”

The Area Commander assured that the police would continue to monitor the situation closely and work toward restoring calm to the community.

Rex Okechukwu, a 70-year-old traditional chief from Ochuche, Ogbaru Local Government Area in Anambra State, has shared the painful details of his son’s tragic death at the hands of private security guards.

His 27-year-old son, Okechukwu Noel Chinedu, a final-year student at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, was shot dead by security personnel on August 17, 2024.

The incident occurred when Okechukwu, who had been home during the university’s vacation period, went to Stella Odua’s Estate to purchase fresh fish from a local pond.

Around 8:30 am, after bidding his father goodbye, Okechukwu left for the estate, but just 20 minutes later, a motorcyclist arrived at Okechukwu’s home with devastating news.

The motorcyclist informed the family that an altercation had broken out between Okechukwu and two security guards at the estate, during which one of the guards shot him.

Okechukwu died from the gunshot wound shortly afterward.

Shocked and devastated, Okechukwu’s family initially struggled to come to terms with the news. Rex Okechukwu later visited the police station at Atani on August 22 to file a report, only to be met with an accusation that his son was an armed robber.

The Divisional Police Officer (DPO), I. Andrew, allegedly told Okechukwu that the security guards claimed they had caught his son and his supposed accomplices trying to rob in the area, which led them to open fire.

Okechukwu vehemently denied these claims, asserting that his son had never been involved in any criminal activity.

Okechukwu challenged the DPO to provide evidence, such as a weapon or any stolen items, to support the guards’ allegations.

He also questioned the DPO about the lack of a crime report or CCTV footage from the estate that could substantiate the robbery claim.

The DPO, however, failed to provide any such evidence. Okechukwu suspects that the police officer may be complicit in covering up the security guards’ actions.

Despite his son’s body being rejected by a mortuary in Atani because of the gunshot wound, Okechukwu has not been allowed to view the body. The DPO allegedly told him that his son was an armed robber and refused him access to the corpse.

Okechukwu later learned from witnesses that the guards had taken his son’s body to a mortuary but had to provide a police report to do so. It remains unclear where the body is now, and the DPO has not disclosed further information.

Okechukwu also expressed concern that the estate’s management has not reached out or offered any assistance regarding the incident.

He fears for his safety and has refrained from visiting the estate, as he believes he could be harmed.

His son, who was on track to graduate soon, was a dedicated student with a promising future.

His death has had a profound impact on Okechukwu and his family. The traditional chief lamented the loss of his son, who had been expected to help arrange his funeral in the future, but now he is forced to bury his own child.

The Okechukwu family is demanding that the police authorities conduct a thorough and impartial investigation into the incident.

Okechukwu believes that the DPO’s handling of the case has been unprofessional, accusing him of siding with the security guards.

The family is also questioning why the guards, who were privately employed to monitor the estate, were carrying firearms, and whether they were justified in using deadly force against an unarmed man.

As the investigation continues, Okechukwu hopes that justice will be served for his son’s untimely death.

He calls for transparency and accountability from both the police and the estate management in resolving this heartbreaking case.

The Celestial Church of Christ, Acts of Apostle Parish, located in Ketu, Alapere, Lagos, is in turmoil following a N5 million donation from the church authority for renovations.

The disruption occurred during a Sunday service last week when Muyiwa Oluponna, a self-identified son of the church’s founder, stormed the service, causing chaos as he attempted to install himself as the church’s shepherd.

According to reports, Oluponna grabbed the microphone from the acting shepherd, Adetayo Adetola, and declared that he had the right to preach on the second Sunday of each month.

The altercation was captured in a viral video, showing Oluponna and church members arguing passionately.

The disturbance led to the church authorities taking swift action, with a task force led by Akinbode Adjovi enforcing a 40-day closure of the church to restore order.

Adetola, who was in charge during the service, recounted the incident, explaining that Oluponna demanded the N5 million donation be handed over to the Oluponna family rather than used for church renovations.

“He argued that the money was meant for the family, not the church, and insisted that the church belonged to them. He also claimed that he should be made the shepherd and allowed to preach every second Sunday.”

Adetola added that after the initial interruption, Oluponna returned and tried to take the microphone again from the choristers to continue his sermon, which led to resistance from the congregation.

Emmanuel Iperepolu, the church’s official shepherd, confirmed Oluponna’s history of disruptive behavior, claiming that Oluponna had been threatening him and other church members.

Iperepolu noted that while Oluponna had previously caused tension in the church, the situation escalated after the N5 million donation was announced.

“We had to report the situation to both the church authorities and the police. He had been coming to the church to threaten us, but the situation worsened once he heard about the donation.”

Kayode Ajala, the Head of Media and Publicity for Celestial Church of Christ, confirmed the church’s temporary closure, emphasizing that it was necessary to prevent further unrest.

He stated, “The church cannot tolerate threats to people’s lives. We are investigating the matter and speaking to everyone involved to resolve the issue. The church will reopen once the situation is settled.”

When asked about the role of the N5 million donation in the dispute, Oluponna declined to comment, stating that the matter was between the family and the church.

Rt. Rev. Jonas Benson, the Catholic Bishop of Nnewi Diocese, has appealed to the Finnish government to continue detaining Simon Ekpa, a key figure in the Biafra separatist movement.

Bishop Benson referred to Ekpa as a “rascal” and strongly criticized his actions, which he believes have been detrimental to the Igbo community and its well-being.

The bishop made these remarks during the funeral of Senator Ifeanyi Ubah, highlighting concerns over the negative impact of Ekpa’s activities on the region.

He also expressed support for Governor Charles Soludo, who has faced mounting pressure to maintain security in Anambra State.

Benson further urged the Senate President and other members of the Nigerian Senate to back the governor’s efforts to secure the state.