Nigerian Defence Headquarters confirms plans to extradite Simon Ekpa from Finland to face terrorism-related charges in Nigeria.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja has announced its intent to extradite Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to face terrorism-related charges in Nigeria.
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In a statement provided to SaharaReporters, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, expressed satisfaction with Ekpa’s arrest in Finland.
“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,” Gusau said.
Ekpa, arrested in Finland, faces charges of inciting crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria. The Finland district court in Lahti remanded him based on allegations that his activities, primarily on social media, promoted violence in southeastern Nigeria. These offences reportedly date back to 23 August 2021.
Ekpa is accused of spreading separatist propaganda tied to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. Finnish authorities have also investigated him for alleged financial crimes, including unlawfully collecting funds.
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen of Finland’s Central Criminal Police noted, “The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in southeastern Nigeria.”
The investigation has uncovered a network of suspects. Finnish police detained four other individuals, born in the 1960s and 1970s, for financing terrorism in August 2022.
Authorities highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing these crimes.
Ekpa’s controversial activities have long been under scrutiny. In February 2023, Finnish police arrested him in Lahti for questioning over suspected financial misconduct and his social media activities. He was later released but remained under investigation.
In Finland, Ekpa is a local politician affiliated with the National Coalition Party. He has served as a deputy councillor and a member of the Lahti region’s public transport board.
However, his calls for election boycotts and support for Biafra’s independence have sparked international concerns.
The Nigerian government views Ekpa’s potential extradition as a significant step toward justice. Authorities believe it will address IPOB’s separatist activities and promote stability in southeastern Nigeria.
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As investigations continue, both Nigeria and Finland are committed to ensuring due process while addressing the broader implications of Ekpa’s actions on global security.
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