The Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to face charges in Nigeria.
The Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, welcomed Ekpa’s arrest in Finland as a significant step toward justice.
Ekpa, who is currently under remand in Finland, was charged with public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in southeastern Nigeria. According to Finnish authorities, his activities, dating back to August 2021, involved spreading separatist propaganda on social media. Crime commissioner Otto Hiltunen of Finland’s Central Criminal Police alleged that Ekpa’s actions have led to violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria.
In addition to incitement charges, Ekpa has faced previous investigations for financial crimes, including allegedly collecting funds through dubious means. During an earlier probe in February 2023, he was arrested in Lahti and questioned before being released. Finnish police reported receiving multiple complaints regarding his online activities and their potential links to other crimes.
Authorities in Finland also detained four other suspects in connection with financing terrorism. These individuals, reportedly of foreign origin, were alleged to have committed the crimes in Lahti in August 2022. International cooperation played a key role in their arrests during the investigation.
Despite his controversial activities, Ekpa has a political presence in Finland. He is affiliated with the National Coalition Party, has served as a deputy councillor, and represented the party on the Lahti region’s public transport board. However, from his home in Lahti, he has been actively using social media to advocate for election boycotts and support for the secessionist ambitions of the IPOB.
The Nigerian military remains optimistic that Ekpa’s extradition will mark progress in holding him accountable for his actions.