Lagos, Nigeria – Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, the deputy to prominent Biafra activist Mr. Simon Ekpa, has accused the governments of Finland and Nigeria of engaging in a covert agreement aimed at undermining the push for Biafra’s independence.
In a statement released on Thursday, Orabueze alleged that Finland’s continued detention of Ekpa is a deliberate strategy to frustrate him physically, mentally, and emotionally in a bid to weaken his resolve and suppress the Biafra agitation. Ekpa, who is a Finnish citizen, was recently detained in Finland over allegations of terrorism linked to complaints from the Nigerian government.
According to Orabueze, the Finnish authorities’ handling of the matter contravenes the European Union’s principles on human rights and fair treatment, describing the detention as an “unlawful ploy.” She called for Ekpa’s immediate release, emphasizing that ongoing investigations into the allegations should not warrant prolonged detention.
“There is a purported bargain between Finland and the Nigerian government to silence the voice of Biafran citizens led by Simon Ekpa,” she stated.
Orabueze further criticized Finland’s actions as being detrimental to freedom fighters and accused the government of collaborating to suppress African self-determination movements.
“The Finnish government’s continued detention of Simon Ekpa while investigations are ongoing is a calculated attempt to ‘sell its EU citizen to Nigeria.’ The unlawful action is intended to break Simon Ekpa physically, mentally, and emotionally,” she added.
The Organisation of Emerging African States (OEAS) has also weighed in on the issue. During a press conference on Thursday, the organization expressed concerns over the detention of Ekpa in Finland and Ayaba Cho in Norway, both of whom are accused of terrorism-related offences. The OEAS condemned the alleged criminalization of freedom fighters, urging European nations to respect human rights, self-determination, and self-defense principles.
“Finland and Norway must uphold human rights and refrain from actions that target individuals advocating for the independence of their people,” Orabueze said, reiterating her demand for Ekpa’s release.
She stressed that the movement for Biafra independence transcends individuals and remains a collective effort to achieve self-determination.
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