The factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa, has been declared wanted by the Defense Headquarters in Abuja for terrorism.
Ekpa, from his base in Finlad, declared the famous Monday sit-at-home in all five Southeast states at different times to protest the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, who said he is not in support of violence in the region.
The military released Ekpa’s name on its red list of wanted individuals, along with the names of 96 other individuals nationwide, on Friday.
Other patronymic names are Alhaji Shingi; Malindi Yakubu; Boka; Dogo Gide; Halilu Sububu; Ado Aliero; Bello Turji; Dan Bokkolo; Labi Yadi; Nagala; Saidu Idris; Kachalla Rugga; and Sani Gurgu.
The Defense Headquarters said they are wanted for terrorism, violent extremism, and secessionist threats against the state.
The banner also contains featured pictures of all the 97 wanted persons, terrorists, bandits, and insurgent commanders from the North East, North West, North Central, and South-East zones.
For the north-east, 33 people were wanted, and their names include Abu Zaida, Modu Sulum, Baba Data; Ahmad, Sani Teacher; Thirty-three Baa Sadiq, Abdul Saad, Kaka Abi, Mohammad Khalifa, Umar Tella, Abu Mutahid, Mallam Mohammad; Mallam Tahiru Baga, Uzaiya, and Ali Ngule.
In the north-central and south-east, 21 people were declared wanted by the DHQ for insurgency and violent crimes. They are Mr. Ekpa; Chika Edoziem; Egede; Zuma; Thank God; Gentle; Flavour; Mathew; David Ndubuisi; and High Chief Williams Agbor.
Others are Ebuka Nwaka, Friday Ojimka, Obiemesi Chukwudi, aka Dan Chuk, David Ezekwem Chidiebube, and Amobi Chinonso Okafor, aka Temple, among others.
The defence headquarters’ spokesperson, Edward Buba, confirmed the names and pictures of the declared persons to journalists.
The military spokesperson, Major General Edward Buba, confirmed the names and pictures of the declared wanted people to journalists.