The Nigerian government has submitted all necessary requirements for the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran separatist leader, to Finland, according to General Christopher Musa, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).
Speaking during Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review program on December 31, General Musa confirmed Ekpa’s detention in Finland. “Well, I’m sure he is cooling off somewhere. Legal action is going to be taken accordingly,” he stated, emphasizing that the government is ensuring due process is followed.
Ekpa, alongside four others, was arrested in Finland in November 2024 on charges related to terrorism, including incitement to violence and financing terrorist activities. He is accused of using social media to propagate separatist ideology linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and orchestrating disruptive sit-at-home orders in Nigeria’s South-East region.
A Finnish court in Lahti previously remanded Ekpa on charges of incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria. His arrest followed calls from Nigerian authorities for international collaboration to address the threat posed by his actions.
The CDS highlighted the diminishing impact of Ekpa’s directives due to the military’s ongoing clearance operations in the South-East. The Federal Government remains optimistic that Finnish authorities will cooperate in ensuring justice is served.
Ekpa’s case has drawn global attention, underscoring the complexities of addressing separatist movements with international ramifications.
