Simon Ekpa, the self-declared prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is scheduled to be extradited to Nigeria to face prosecution, as preparations are made by the country’s defense headquarters in Abuja. The Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, has expressed his approval of Ekpa’s arrest in Finland, seeing it as a positive step towards ensuring justice is upheld. This was disclosed in a statement released on Thursday by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information.
Gusau confirmed that the Chief of Defence Staff is pleased with the arrest, expressing the hope that this development would lead to Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria, where he will be held accountable for his actions. Gusau added, "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 related to public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria. According to Finnish authorities, Ekpa used his social media channels to promote separatist propaganda associated with IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. These activities reportedly began as early as August 2021.
In addition to the incitement charges, Ekpa is also under investigation by Finnish authorities for suspected financial crimes, including fundraising through questionable means. Finnish officials, led by Central Criminal Police Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, have pointed out that Ekpa's actions from Finland have contributed to violence against officials and residents in southeastern Nigeria. Hiltunen stated, “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”
The investigation also uncovered four other suspects, born in the 1960s and 1970s, who are accused of financing terrorism in August 2022. These individuals were arrested during the first phase of the investigation, with Finnish police emphasizing the importance of international collaboration to tackle the issue. The Finnish authorities’ continued focus on Ekpa’s activities was prompted by his significant involvement in inciting violence and unrest from abroad.
Simon Ekpa, who has previously faced legal scrutiny, was arrested in Lahti in February 2023 for alleged unlawful fundraising. However, he was released the same day after questioning. Despite this, Finnish authorities continued to investigate his social media activities, suspecting that they were linked to other criminal activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism.
In addition to his controversial role with IPOB, Ekpa is a well-known local politician in Finland. He is affiliated with the National Coalition Party and has served as a deputy councillor. Ekpa has also represented the party on Lahti’s public transport board. From his residence in Lahti, he has used his social media presence to advocate for election boycotts in Nigeria and promote the Biafran independence movement, further complicating his legal standing in both Finland and Nigeria.
