Nigeria to move for Simon Ekpa’s extradition from Finland

Simon Ekpa, the self-declared prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is scheduled to be extradited to Nigeria to face prosecution, according to preparations made by the country’s defense headquarters in Abuja.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, hailed Ekpa’s arrest in Finland and saw it as a step towards upholding justice, according to a statement released Thursday by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information.

Gusau stated, “The CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”

Ekpa was recently remanded by a Finnish district court in Lahti on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria.

According to authorities, Ekpa disseminated separatist propaganda associated with IPOB, a group that calls for the secession of southeast Nigeria, via social media sites. According to reports, these actions began in August 2021.

Alongside these accusations, Ekpa has already been the subject of an investigation by Finnish authorities for suspected financial crimes, such as fundraising through questionable means.

According to Central Criminal Police Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, Ekpa’s acts from Finland have caused violence against officials and residents in southeast Nigeria.

Hiltunen stated, “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

The investigation also identified four other suspects, born in the 1960s and 1970s, accused of financing terrorism in August 2022.

These individuals were arrested during the first phase of the investigation, with Finnish police emphasizing international collaboration throughout the process.

Simon Ekpa, who has faced prior legal scrutiny, was arrested in Lahti in February 2023 for alleged unlawful fundraising.

Although he was released the same day after questioning, authorities continued investigating his activities on social media and their connection to other crimes.

Beyond his controversial role with IPOB, Ekpa is a recognized local politician in Finland, affiliated with the National Coalition Party.

He has served as a deputy councillor and represented the party on Lahti’s public transport board.

From his residence in Lahti, Ekpa has used social media to advocate for election boycotts and champion Biafra’s independence movement.