The Finnish government has confirmed that it is actively addressing the case of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran agitator associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), whose activities have sparked significant concern in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, made this announcement during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday, August 13, 2024, where she was joined by her Nordic counterparts. “The case of Simon Ekpa, which was brought to our attention by the Nigerian government, is now being handled by the Finnish courts,” Valtonen stated.
Ekpa, who has been a vocal advocate for the secessionist movement in Nigeria, particularly through his promotion of sit-at-home orders in the South-East, was previously arrested in Finland in February 2023. His arrest came shortly before Nigeria’s presidential and national assembly elections, following his threats that the elections would not take place in the South-East.
Despite the mainstream leadership of IPOB suspending the sit-at-home exercise, Ekpa has continued to push for its observance every Monday as a form of protest against the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB has since distanced itself from Ekpa, who remains active on social media, disseminating his pro-Biafran messages.
Valtonen was part of a delegation of Nordic ministers, including representatives from Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark, who visited Nigeria to strengthen trade ties and address issues such as countering violent extremism in West Africa. The delegation’s visit also aims to foster closer relations between Nordic countries and the African continent.
