The prolonged detention of Simon Ekpa, Prime Minister of the self-declared United States of Biafra, by Finnish authorities at the behest of the Nigerian government, has ignited fresh international debates on human rights, self-determination, and freedom struggles in Africa.
In a strongly worded statement issued in Abuja, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, Chief of Staff and Deputy Prime Minister of the United States of Biafra, condemned what she described as Finland’s “calculated betrayal” of its own citizen. Dr. Orabueze accused the Finnish government of colluding with Nigeria to suppress the voice of Biafrans by detaining Simon Ekpa under allegations of terrorism while investigations are ongoing.
“This is not just an assault on one man but a calculated attempt to weaken the struggle for Biafran self-determination and embolden Nigeria’s oppressive policies against Biafrans,” she declared.
Dr. Orabueze pointed to escalating violence in the Biafra region, allegedly orchestrated by the Nigerian state and led by Defence Chief Christopher Musa, who has vowed to dismantle the Biafran movement.
She cited recent killings of Biafran civilians, which she claimed were carried out by reintegrated terrorists acting under the Nigerian government’s orders.
“Simon Ekpa’s only crime is his unwavering defense of Biafran citizens against state-backed terror,” she said.
The statement also called on Biafrans to remain resilient and continue funding their self-defense efforts. Dr. Orabueze urged Finland and Norway to respect international human rights laws and self-determination principles, warning against the criminalization of freedom fighters.
This controversy comes amid growing allegations of Nigeria’s human rights abuses, which have drawn criticism from organizations such as the United Nations and Amnesty International.
Dr. Orabueze reiterated that Biafran independence is not just Simon Ekpa’s vision but a collective aspiration of a marginalized people. She urged the international community to hold Finland and Nigeria accountable, demanding Ekpa’s immediate release to ensure the safety of his life.
“The struggle for Biafran independence is far from over, and history will judge those who choose to suppress rather than support it,” Dr. Orabueze concluded.
The world now watches as this clash of politics, sovereignty, and human rights unfolds.