Ekpa’s exact role in the separatist group was unclear, but over the past 18 months he has called on millions of people in southeastern Nigeria to join anti-government protests. Ekpa is a feared figure in Nigeria, and the forces he leads have allegedly threatened people who disobey the Monday curfew imposed by the separatists. According to Human Rights Watch, citizens living in the southeast are still following the “stay at home” order implemented by IPOB in August 2021 to varying degrees.
Nigeria has asked Finland to curb Ekpa’s activities, fearing that it could derail the peaceful conduct of the 2023 parliamentary elections. Ambassador of Finland Leena Pylväninen, has stated that it is not a diplomat’s job to investigate whether a Finnish citizen has possibly committed a crime by calling for an election boycott or supporting separatists. “The proper authority in this case is the police and they have been notified. They are very aware of the situation,” he explained.
The Igbo Union Finland, which represents hundreds of Finnish Igbos, has distanced itself from Ekpa’s activities. They have warned that if Finland does not take steps to stop Ekpa’s activities, the situation could escalate into a tragedy similar to the 1994 genocide in Rwanda. Slave Anya Odim. The chairman of the trade union has called on Ekpa to stop inciting violence and provoking conflicts and stated that many Finnish Igbos have family members in Nigeria who are at risk of violence.
This latest development has come as a surprise to the Parliament in Lahti, and the matter is currently being investigated. Party Secretary, Mika Airinenhas stated that if Ekpa is found to be involved in armed activities, his position in the party will be assessed.