Wike’s Aide to Ekpa’s Supporters: How Did a Jobless Simon Ekpa Manage to Scam You?

Lere Olayinka, a Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and New Media to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has described Simon Ekpa, the controversial pro-Biafra agitator, as a “jobless scammer.”

Olayinka questioned Ekpa’s credibility and intentions, particularly regarding claims that he founded a Biafra National Football Team capable of participating in FIFA-organized tournaments.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Olayinka criticized Ekpa’s followers for believing his claims without scrutiny. He wrote,“If your children ask you today how a jobless Simon Ekpa was able to scam you, what would you tell them? He even said he founded Biafra National Football Team and that they will be participating in international football tournaments. No one could ask him just a simple question: ‘International Football Tournament organized by FIFA or which body?’”

Olayinka’s comments come amidst escalating legal troubles for Ekpa, who was recently arrested by Finnish authorities alongside four others for alleged terrorism-related activities. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) revealed that Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, is suspected of inciting public violence with terrorist intent through social media. He is also accused of financing terrorism as part of his activities tied to the Biafra agitation.

The Finnish authorities took action against Ekpa following months of monitoring his online activities, which they claim involved spreading terrorist propaganda and encouraging unrest in Nigeria under the guise of advocating for an independent Biafra state. The Päijät-Häme district court has detained Ekpa and his co-accused, with his trial date set for May 2025.

Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen of Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation confirmed Ekpa’s charges and reiterated that the case involves multiple counts of public exhortation to commit crimes with terrorist intent. The investigation, according to Laaksonen, is part of a broader effort to curtail the misuse of digital platforms to incite violence and support extremist ideologies.

Simon Ekpa, who has consistently portrayed himself as a key figure in the Biafra movement, has faced growing criticism from both Nigerian and international observers. His arrest and the details of the allegations have further fueled debates about his activities and their impact on the ongoing separatist tensions in southeastern Nigeria.

Olayinka’s remarks reflect a broader skepticism about Ekpa’s legitimacy, as many have questioned the authenticity of his claims and the motivations behind his actions. Critics argue that Ekpa’s activities have caused harm by inciting violence in Nigeria, while others believe his arrest underscores the importance of international cooperation in addressing cross-border security threats.

As the legal proceedings against Ekpa unfold, his supporters and detractors alike will be watching closely, with the case set to have significant implications for both his personal credibility and the broader Biafra movement.