The Nigerian government has revealed its officials played a role in the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a separatist leader in the southeast region based in Finland.

Ekpa was arrested on Thursday by Finnish authorities and charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence in Nigeria.

The federal government on Friday said sustained diplomatic pressure led to the arrest of Ekpa.

The government in a statement by the acting spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, said:

“The arrest of Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland, to take action against his activities, which were linked to violence and instability in the South-East of Nigeria.

“The request for action featured during high-level engagements between countries.

“The Ministry wishes to affirm that the arrest of Mr. Simon Ekpa, is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB, and also neutralizing the influence of transnational actors and their impact on our national security.

“The Ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses.”