Simon Ekpa’s Arrest in Finland Triggers Massive Jubilation in Anambra State
- Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa, has become the number one public enemy of southeast residents in recent months
- Ekpa, the leader of the unknown gunmen terrorising the region, was arrested by Finnish authorities recently
- His arrest triggered widespread celebrations in Anambra state as residents heaved a sigh of immense relief
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FCT, Abuja - A report by ThisDay indicates that there was jubilation in Anambra state on Friday, February 23, following the arrest of a terrorist, Simon Ekpa, in Finland.
In many public places in the southeast state, people celebrated the arrest of the separatist factional leader.
Source: Twitter
Some residents who spoke on the issue described Ekpa's arrest as "good riddance to bad rubbish."
A resident of Awka, the state capital, Nnamdi Ezendu, said:
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"Ekpa should be renditioned to Nigeria for proper punishment. That guy needs to be peppered for all the atrocious acts he had caused in this state and the entire southeast.
"The Nigerian government should not allow his case to be handled by the Finland authorities. They will handle him with kid gloves."
Ekpa had repeatedly ordered sit-at-home protests in the southeast, including calling for attacks on government facilities.
Before his eventual arrest yesterday, Nigerians worldwide had signed a petition appealing to the Finnish government, Nigerian government and the European Union to arrest Ekpa.
Anambra resident describes Ekpa as a mole, calls for his prosecution
A resident in Awka, the Anambra capital, Chisomaga Ahia, who spoke to Legit.ng via phone call said Ekpa is already public enemy number one in the state.
He also stated the people are angry because they want to exercise their franchise this time.
He said:
“You know our people have not been voting. This is an opportunity to right the wrongs of the past. A thousand and one Ekpa can't stop us this time. We are fighting for our freedom and that of our children.
“We know he is a mole working for external interests to destroy the southeast, but we are confident he will meet his waterloo soon.
“I call on the federal government to do everything possible to extradite him to Nigeria so he can face the law. He is not bigger than this country and he should not be allowed to cause chaos here while staying in another country.”
Simon Ekpa released after questioning by Finnish authorities
The Cable reports that Ekpe was released later by the Finnish police after hours of questioning.
Although Tommi Reen, an officer with the Central Criminal Police, said the suspect was released after a few hours of questioning, the investigation is ongoing.
Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for arrest, repatriation of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria
Recall that the Ohanaeze Ndigbo had asked the federal government to arrest and repatriate Ekpa to Nigeria, saying he is responsible for killings and violence in the southeast.
In a statement by its Secretary General, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, the apex Igbo socio-cultural group noted that economic activities and other businesses were paralysed due to insecurity.
Ohanaeze said it had identified Ekpa as being responsible for current killings in Anambra, Imo, Enugu and Ebonyi states.
2023 election: Ohanaeze Ndigbo places $50,000 bounty on Ekpa
Similarly, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo put a $50,000 reward on Ekpa as part of its efforts to tame the terrorist.
Isiguzoro said the bounty placed on Ekpa had received a positive response from Ndigbo and Nigerians in Finland and Europe.
The group's spokesman also noted that Ekpa would soon be arrested by appropriate authorities and repatriated to Nigeria in due time.
Source: Legit.ng
