Breaking: Defence Chief Musa Confirms Simon Ekpa Still On Trial In Finland
Abuja, Nigeria (August 22, 2025) – The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has confirmed that pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa is still standing trial in Finland for terrorism-related offences.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today programme on Thursday, General Musa said Ekpa’s arrest in November 2024 by Finnish authorities had contributed to a noticeable improvement in security across Nigeria’s South-East.
“He (Ekpa) is still undergoing prosecution in Finland. So, we are hopeful. When we talked about him, people thought we were making noise, but since he has been arrested, the Southeast is getting better. We are going to go after the likes of him, wherever they are, and whatever it takes until we bring them down,” Musa stated.
Who Is Simon Ekpa?
Simon Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen and self-styled leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been accused of masterminding violent sit-at-home orders and armed attacks in Nigeria’s South-East.
Finnish police arrested him in late 2024 following intelligence cooperation with Nigerian security services. According to reports by Reuters and YLE (Finnish Broadcasting Company), he faces charges of supporting terrorism, financing armed groups, and coordinating attacks remotely.
Ekpa rose to prominence after the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu in 2021, presenting himself as Kanu’s successor. However, his leadership style quickly split IPOB, with multiple factions forming and violence escalating across the South-East.
South-East Security After Ekpa’s Arrest
General Musa stressed that Ekpa’s detention had reduced the intensity of insecurity in the South-East, which has been plagued by armed attacks, kidnappings, and assassinations linked to separatist elements.
Troops under his command are currently targeting Ekpa’s associates across Imo, Enugu, Anambra, Ebonyi, and Abia states, which remain the hotbed of pro-Biafra militancy.
Military sources disclosed that ongoing raids have led to several arrests, recovery of weapons, and dismantling of camps used by armed groups loyal to Ekpa.
Civil society observers agree with Musa’s assessment. A 2025 report by International Crisis Group noted a “relative decline” in separatist violence in the South-East after Finland began investigating Ekpa’s activities.
Ansaru Commanders’ Capture: A Major Win
In addition to the Ekpa development, General Musa also hailed the recent capture of top Ansaru terrorist commanders as one of the military’s most important achievements this year.
Ansaru, a breakaway faction of Boko Haram with strong links to Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb, has been active in Nigeria’s North-West, carrying out kidnappings and ambushes.
Musa credited the success to improved synergy among the Army, Navy, and Air Force:
“What has changed is that we have synergy with all the organisations, and that is why we have seen all the successes,” he said.
Regional and Global Cooperation
General Musa revealed that Nigeria will host an African Chiefs of Defence Staff Conference starting Monday. The conference aims to foster collaboration among African militaries in combating terrorism, insurgency, and transnational crime.
Security analysts argue that Nigeria’s willingness to lead regional cooperation is crucial, given the continent-wide threats from extremist groups such as:
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Al-Shabaab in East Africa,
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Islamic State affiliates in the Sahel,
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Ansaru and ISWAP in Nigeria and Lake Chad Basin.
The United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism has repeatedly emphasized that no single country can defeat terrorism alone; cross-border intelligence sharing and joint operations are essential.
Implications for Nigeria’s Democracy
Observers warn that the trial of Simon Ekpa in Finland will test not only Nigerian-Finnish relations but also the global fight against terrorism.
If convicted, Ekpa’s sentencing could set an important precedent for holding diaspora-based agitators accountable. If acquitted, however, Nigerian authorities may face renewed challenges in curbing his influence among separatist loyalists.
Meanwhile, human rights groups such as Amnesty International have urged Nigerian security forces to balance counterinsurgency efforts with the protection of civilian rights, warning against excessive force in the South-East.
Suggested Images and Video Embeds
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Image 1: Stock photo of Finnish courthouse or Finnish police badge (to represent the trial).
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Image 2: Nigerian military parade or troops on patrol in the South-East (symbolic of security operations).
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Image 3: Map of Nigeria highlighting the South-East states (for clarity to diaspora readers).
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Conclusion
The confirmation by General Christopher Musa that Simon Ekpa is still facing prosecution in Finland underscores a new phase in Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts—one that extends beyond its borders.
While Ekpa’s arrest has improved conditions in the South-East, sustained peace will depend on Nigeria’s ability to maintain military pressure, foster regional cooperation, and address the root causes of separatist grievances.
As Nigeria prepares to host African defence chiefs next week, the message is clear: the fight against terrorism requires unity, accountability, and unwavering commitment both at home and abroad.
