By Charles Nwoke
Finnish authorities have approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria, where he faces terrorism and incitement charges. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti issued the ruling on April 18, 2025. His transfer is scheduled for July 15.
Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian national, is known for leading a self-declared separatist movement called the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile. He has styled himself as the “Prime Minister” of the group, which operates outside Nigeria and claims to advocate for Biafran independence. However, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a well-known pro-Biafra group, has disowned Ekpa and denied any connection with him.
“Simon Ekpa runs his own network of criminals and kidnappers,” said an IPOB spokesperson. “His actions do not reflect the non-violent ideology of IPOB.”
Ekpa leads a splinter group called “Autopilot” and has been linked to a violent armed wing known as the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA). Authorities accuse the group of carrying out kidnappings, assassinations, and enforcing illegal “sit-at-home” orders that have disrupted life in Nigeria’s southeast.
Finnish police arrested Ekpa in Lahti in November 2024 after a long surveillance operation. They accuse him of inciting violence in Nigeria through social media broadcasts from abroad. Four others were also arrested in connection with financing and aiding his operations.
The Nigerian government welcomed the court’s ruling. A senior Ministry of Defence official called it “a triumph for justice and a stern warning to those who think they can destabilize Nigeria from foreign soil.”
Ekpa’s extradition followed complex legal proceedings. Finland rarely extradites its citizens outside the European Union or Nordic countries. However, officials cited mutual obligations under the Rome Statute, which both Finland and Nigeria have ratified. Authorities confirmed that the extradition complies with international law and due process.
Ekpa is expected to face multiple charges upon his return to Nigeria, including terrorism, conspiracy, incitement of violence, and crimes against the state. His trial is expected to draw intense scrutiny from both domestic and international observers.
