Two individuals arrested alongside Simon Ekpa in November 2024 have been released by Finnish authorities, according to reports. The names of the released suspects and reasons for their release have not been disclosed.
Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested with four others on November 21, 2024, in Finland. Ekpa faces charges related to terrorism, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism in Nigeria. Finnish authorities had remanded him in custody following his arrest, with the Päijät-Häme district court accusing him of spreading terrorist propaganda via social media.
Developments in Ekpa’s Case
While two of the suspects have regained freedom, Ekpa and the remaining individuals remain in detention. Nigeria has formally requested Ekpa’s extradition, with Chief of Defence Staff Gen. Christopher Musa confirming that the Federal Government has forwarded the necessary documentation to Finnish authorities.
Nigerian-Finnish Collaboration
The Finnish government has reportedly been cooperating with Nigeria to address the violent activities associated with IPOB in Nigeria’s southeastern region. Gen. Musa emphasized that legal actions are being pursued to ensure justice.
The case has drawn significant attention due to Ekpa’s influence in propagating separatist ideologies, particularly through online platforms. His activities have been linked to escalating violence and instability in parts of southern Nigeria.
Further updates are expected as extradition proceedings and legal actions progress.
