The Nigerian Defense Headquarters in Abuja has announced that Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be extradited to Nigeria to face legal charges.
In a brief press statement provided to africa24hrsnews, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defense Information, indicated that the Chief of Defense Staff, General Chris Musa, expressed satisfaction regarding Ekpa’s arrest. He stated, “The Chief of Defense Staff is pleased with his apprehension in Finland, anticipating that this will facilitate his extradition to Nigeria to ensure he faces justice.”
It is important to note that a district court in Lahti, Finland, has ordered Simon Ekpa’s detention based on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Ekpa has been accused of utilizing social media to disseminate separatist propaganda associated with IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. The court has indicated that these alleged offenses date back to August 23, 2021.
Additionally, Finnish authorities have previously investigated Ekpa for alleged financial misconduct, including the collection of funds through dubious methods. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police remarked, “The police suspect that this individual has advanced his agenda from Finland, resulting in violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other criminal activities in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria. He has conducted these activities, among other means, via his social media platforms.”
Meanwhile, four other suspects, accused of financing terrorism, are believed to have committed their offenses in August 2022, also in Lahti. These suspects, who have foreign backgrounds, were born in the 1960s and 1970s. According to Helsingin Sanomat (HS), five suspects were apprehended during the initial week of the investigation, with police emphasizing the importance of international collaboration during the preliminary stages.
Authorities have previously indicated their suspicion that Simon Ekpa may be involved in the unlawful collection of funds. In February 2023, he was apprehended in a private residence in Lahti. Following his questioning, Ekpa was released later that same evening, at that time, law enforcement revealed that they had received numerous reports concerning Ekpa’s activities on social media, which led to an investigation aimed at establishing any potential connections to other criminal activities.
In Finland, Simon Ekpa is recognized as a local politician associated with the National Coalition Party, he has held the position of deputy councilor and has represented the party on the public transport board for the Lahti region. From his residence in Lahti, he has utilized social media platforms to advocate for election boycotts and to express support for the independence movement of Biafra.
