A court in Finland has officially approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist figure, back to Nigeria where he is facing multiple serious charges, including terrorism, conspiracy, and incitement.
As reported by Naturenex, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti granted the Nigerian government’s longstanding request on Thursday. The extradition is expected to take place on July 15, according to available reports.
Ekpa, who styles himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has faced accusations of fueling violence and unrest in Nigeria’s southeast while operating from abroad. His arrest by Finnish security forces in November 2024 followed months of monitoring.
Though frequently associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in media narratives, the group has publicly disassociated itself from him. An IPOB spokesperson stated: “Ekpa operates independently. Linking him to IPOB is misleading and dangerous,” adding “His actions are not part of our struggle.”
Instead, reports indicate that Ekpa heads a breakaway faction known as Autopilot, which allegedly has links to a militant group called the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA). Authorities claim this group has been behind violent “sit-at-home” enforcements, kidnappings, and targeted killings across southeastern Nigeria.
According to Vanguard, Nigeria submitted evidence under the provisions of the Rome Statute, which both countries have ratified, to back its extradition demand. Finnish officials affirmed that the court’s ruling adhered strictly to legal procedures and international standards.
Reacting to the decision, the Nigerian government hailed the development, describing it as “a major step for justice” and a clear warning to those “who seek to destabilize the country from foreign shores.”
