Is Simon Ekpa Immune to Justice? vs. Amaka Sonnberger’s Swift Arrest in Canada

Simon Ekpa: The Biafran Agitator and Unchecked Chaos

Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, has been at the center of the agitation for an independent Biafra. Rising to prominence after assuming the mantle of leadership in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, Ekpa’s activism has incited significant unrest in Nigeria’s southeastern region.

Through social media and other platforms, he called for sit-at-home protests, some of which escalated into violence and disruption of daily life. His vocal advocacy for a Biafra state is laced with inflammatory rhetoric, including the infamous “sit-at-home” orders that have caused economic disruptions and violent clashes across southeastern Nigeria. Ekpa’s calls for compliance with these orders led to widespread chaos, affecting citizens’ livelihoods, schools, and businesses in the region. Some incidents have even turned deadly, as non-compliance with his directives has been met with intimidation and violence by radical elements of the secessionist movement​.

Amaka Sonnberger: A Case of Swift Justice

Amaka Sonnberger, a Nigerian-Canadian citizen, came under the spotlight after a disturbing video surfaced where she threatened violence against Yoruba and Benin people. In the video, she encouraged poisoning and harming these ethnic groups, claiming it was a reaction to perceived hatred towards the Igbo. Her statements, recorded during a TikTok session, immediately raised concerns about potential violence and stoked ethnic tensions among Nigerians both at home and abroad.

The Nigerian government, through the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), swiftly identified Sonnberger, and her video triggered a wave of outrage. The Canadian authorities, in response to official complaints from the Nigerian diaspora, promptly arrested Sonnberger for her violent rhetoric.

Is Simon Ekpa Protected by Political Interests?

Many Nigerians are asking why Simon Ekpa hasn’t been charged or arrested, despite the clear link between his rhetoric and the resulting violence. Could there be powerful political interests backing him, or is it purely Finland’s legal system that is protecting him?

Ekpa’s case raises serious questions about international law and the limits of accountability for individuals inciting violence from foreign countries. While Finland’s constitution guarantees freedom of speech, even when it includes political activism, there is a fine line between free speech and incitement to violence. Finnish authorities have acknowledged Ekpa’s influence but have been reluctant to act decisively. This inaction may stem from Finland’s strict interpretation of free speech rights, and its hesitance to interfere in what is perceived as another country’s internal political conflict​.

However, it is hard to ignore the possibility of Ekpa benefiting from political support. His continued freedom despite the chaos in Nigeria has fueled speculation that there may be influential political figures or groups who view him as a tool to destabilize the region. The Nigerians have called for his arrest, but Finland’s reluctance to intervene has prompted questions about whether Ekpa has backers who are working behind the scenes to protect him.

This uncertainty contrasts sharply with the swift action taken against Amaka Sonnberger, another Nigerian dual citizen residing in Canada. After making incendiary and violent threats against the Yoruba and Edo ethnic groups, Sonnberger was quickly arrested by Canadian authorities. Canada’s hate speech laws and the prompt response to complaints from the Nigerian diaspora underscore a stricter approach to individuals inciting violence​.

In Ekpa’s case, the lack of legal action against him, despite the devastating consequences of his rhetoric, leaves open the question: Is Finland’s legal system solely responsible for his continued freedom, or are there other powerful forces at play? The truth may lie somewhere in between—a mix of political expediency, legal loopholes, and the challenges of enforcing international accountability in the digital age.

The Global Implications of Simon Ekpa’s Influence

The contrasting fates of Simon Ekpa and Amaka Sonnberger reveal the complexities of dealing with individuals who incite violence from foreign soil. While Sonnberger’s case was met with immediate action, Ekpa remains shielded—whether by Finland’s legal protections or other invisible forces. This disparity reflects a global need for stronger frameworks to hold individuals accountable when their actions have real-world consequences, regardless of where they reside.

In Ekpa’s case, the question remains: Will he ever face justice for the chaos he has caused, or will the international community continue to watch as his influence grows unchecked?