Simon Ekpa’s conviction has exposed Nigeria, FG should release Kanu – Lawyer
Activist lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has said the conviction of a self-acclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa, by a Finnish Court within one year has exposed the Nigerian criminal justice system.
Idam said the Finnish Court has exposed Nigeria’s criminal justice system to scorn, mockery and dishonor before the international community.
In a terse statement he signed, the lawyer said the Nigerian government should not be influenced by the court judgment but should consider releasing Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
He said: “Securing a verdict in Simon Ekpa’s case in less than a year is more of interest to me than the conviction itself.
“The expeditious conclusion of Ekpa’s case by the Finnish court has exposed Nigeria’s criminal justice system to scorn, mockery and dishonor before the international community.
“Rather than gloat over the news, the government should seize the time to reflect on the practice and procedures of its criminal justice for possible improvement.
“Importantly, the Federal Government must not be influenced by the conviction but should consider the release of Mr. kanu as the best peaceable option for the southeast, especially at the moment.”
On Monday, a Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Ekpa to six years imprisonment for terrorism offences.
Finnish authorities had on November 21, 2024 arrested Ekpa following an investigation by its National Bureau of Investigation into allegations of inciting terrorism and promoting violence through social media, activity that was believed to have contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria.
Ekpa was linked to terrorism activities in the Southeast.
