The Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja has announced that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is set to be extradited to Nigeria to face several charges. This development follows his recent arrest in Finland, a move that has been met with approval by Nigerian authorities.
In a brief statement released to SaharaReporters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, confirmed the enthusiasm of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, regarding Ekpa’s legal proceedings. Brig. Gen. Gusau stated, “The Chief of Defence Staff is pleased with his arrest in Finland and is hopeful that this will lead to his extradition to Nigeria to face justice.”
Ekpa’s arrest is linked to accusations of public incitement and promoting separatist propaganda via social media, actions allegedly connected to IPOB’s secessionist activities in southeastern Nigeria. The Finland district court in Lahti has remanded him on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, dating back to August 23, 2021.
Additionally, Finnish authorities have previously investigated Ekpa for alleged financial misconduct, involving the suspicious collection of funds. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen of Finland’s Central Criminal Police noted that Ekpa is suspected of using social media to incite violence against civilians and officials in southeastern Nigeria. This activity forms a significant part of the ongoing investigation.
The investigation also involves four other suspects accused of financing terrorism, believed to have committed these crimes in August 2022, also in Lahti. These individuals, of foreign descent, were born in the 1960s and 1970s. According to Helsingin Sanomat (HS), five suspects were initially detained during the first week of the investigation, with authorities emphasizing the importance of international cooperation in the preliminary stages.
Previously, in February 2023, Ekpa was apprehended in Lahti and questioned by police before being released the same evening. Finnish police had received numerous reports concerning his social media activities, which initiated further investigations into potential criminal links.
In Finland, Simon Ekpa is recognized as a local politician affiliated with the National Coalition Party. He has served as a deputy councillor and has been a member of the Lahti region’s public transport board. Despite his political role in Finland, Ekpa has consistently advocated for election boycotts and supported the independence movement for Biafra from his residence in Lahti.