Ejimofor Opara, the special adviser on media to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, has sharply criticised former presidential candidate Peter Obi over his remarks concerning the trial and conviction of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Opara asserted that Obi must issue a public apology to both the Nigerian judiciary and the courts of Finland.
Obi's Comments Spark Controversy
During a recent engagement with Nigerians in Washington, D.C., United States, Obi questioned the justification for Kanu's continued detention. A video of his remarks quickly circulated online, drawing widespread reactions. Opara, in a Facebook post titled 'One Statement Too Many — Peter Obi Slaps Finland and Nigeria's Judiciary', described Obi's comments as a significant affront to judicial institutions in both countries.
Opara specifically referenced the case of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin and a known associate of Kanu, who was convicted in Finland for terrorism-related offences and sentenced to six years in prison. He argued that Obi's statements undermine the integrity of the Finnish legal system, which had meticulously handled Ekpa's prosecution.
Soludo's Aide Questions Obi's Motives
Opara further noted that Obi himself had benefited from the Nigerian judiciary in the past, including the restoration of his mandate in 2006 and a favourable ruling in 2007. He called Obi's recent comments "careless and self-serving," suggesting that the former Anambra governor was pandering to separatist elements for political gain ahead of future elections.
"If there is anyone who should have utmost respect for, and become an ambassador of, the Nigerian judiciary, that person should be Peter Gregory Obi," Opara wrote. He added that Obi's stance constitutes a "major slap" on both judiciaries and that history would not forget his attempts to undermine institutions that once supported him.
Background on Kanu and Ekpa Convictions
Nnamdi Kanu was sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2025 by the Federal High Court in Abuja on seven charges related to terrorism. The court ruled that his broadcasts and directives to IPOB members incited deadly attacks on security forces and civilians in Nigeria's southeast region.
In a separate case, Simon Ekpa was convicted in September 2025 by a Finnish court for terrorism-related offences. The Päijät-Häme District Court found that Ekpa attempted to promote Biafran independence through illegal means and equipped armed groups with weapons and explosives. He is currently serving a six-year prison sentence in Finland.
Reactions and Implications
Opara's comments have added to the ongoing debate over Obi's position on the Kanu case. The aide warned that Obi's remarks could damage his political prospects, stating that "for a man going into a major election, pandering to terrorists is not an advantage." He urged Obi to issue a public apology to both the Nigerian judiciary and the Finnish courts to mitigate the fallout.
The controversy highlights the sensitive nature of the Biafra separatist movement and the legal actions taken against its leaders. As the 2027 elections approach, Obi's stance on such issues may continue to attract scrutiny from political allies and opponents alike.
