The Enugu State Government has praised the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based leader of the criminal group Autopilots, describing him as a common criminal and terrorist with no regard for the welfare of the Igbo people.

In a statement issued on Friday by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, the government labeled Ekpa a murderer and fraudster who thrives on the suffering of his people while living extravagantly abroad.

The state pledged Its readiness to provide evidence of Ekpa?s alleged atrocities against the Igbo community to ensure his prosecution and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.

?The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.

?His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.

?This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.

?Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work. He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,? the government said. (The Nation)