“Simon Ekpa Will Be Extradited to Nigeria to Face Charges” – Defence Headquarters

“Simon Ekpa Will Be Extradited to Nigeria to Face Charges” – Defence Headquarters

Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be extradited to Nigeria to face charges, according to the Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja. This confirmation comes following Ekpa’s arrest in Finland and ongoing legal proceedings.

Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, issued a statement emphasizing the Nigerian military’s satisfaction with Ekpa’s trial. He noted that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, welcomed the development and viewed it as a step toward justice.

Ekpa, who has been a vocal advocate for the secession of southeastern Nigeria through IPOB, is accused of using social media to incite violence and spread separatist propaganda. A Finland district court in Lahti has already remanded him on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The offences reportedly date back to August 2021.

Authorities in Finland have also investigated Ekpa for alleged financial crimes, including collecting funds through dubious means. Otto Hiltunen, a crime commissioner with Finland’s Central Criminal Police, stated that Ekpa’s activities have led to violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria. Hiltunen added that these actions were carried out through Ekpa’s social media channels.

In addition to Ekpa, Finnish authorities have detained four other suspects accused of financing terrorism. These individuals, reportedly of foreign background, are believed to have committed their crimes in August 2022 in Lahti. Finnish police have highlighted the importance of international cooperation in their investigations.

Ekpa’s activities have drawn attention from both Nigerian and Finnish authorities for years. In February 2023, he was arrested at his private residence in Lahti on suspicion of collecting money unlawfully. Although released the same evening, the incident intensified scrutiny over his use of social media to call for election boycotts and support for Biafran independence.

In Finland, Ekpa is a local politician affiliated with the National Coalition Party, where he has served as a deputy councillor and represented the party on Lahti’s public transport board. Despite his political involvement in Finland, his actions from abroad have had significant implications in Nigeria, prompting authorities to seek his extradition for trial.