Defence Headquarters Seeks Extradition of Simon Ekpa from Finland Over Terrorism Charges

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to face charges in Nigeria.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, stated in a press release that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, welcomed Ekpa’s recent trial in Finland. “The CDS is pleased with his arrest in Finland, hoping it marks a step towards his extradition to Nigeria to face justice,” Gusau noted.

A Finnish district court in Lahti had earlier ordered Ekpa’s remand on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Authorities allege that Ekpa used social media to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. The offences reportedly date back to August 2021.

Finnish investigators have also probed Ekpa for alleged financial crimes, accusing him of collecting funds through dubious means to promote activities linked to violence in southeastern Nigeria. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen of Finland’s Central Criminal Police stated, “The suspect has facilitated efforts leading to violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other crimes in the region.”

In addition to Ekpa, four other suspects have been accused of financing terrorism. These individuals, reportedly of foreign origin and born in the 1960s and 1970s, are believed to have committed the crimes in 2022.

Ekpa, a local politician in Finland affiliated with the National Coalition Party, previously served as a deputy councillor and public transport board representative in Lahti. Despite his political role, he has used his social media platforms from Finland to call for election boycotts and promote Biafra’s independence movement.

Authorities continue to emphasize the importance of international cooperation in addressing Ekpa’s activities, which have drawn widespread attention and legal scrutiny.