Nigeria's Attorney General has stated that the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafra separatist leader currently residing in Finland, is imminent. The Attorney General emphasized that Ekpa's alleged offenses span both Nigeria and Finland, necessitating international cooperation for his extradition.
Simon Ekpa, who claims leadership of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), has been under investigation by Finnish authorities since November 2024. He was detained on suspicions of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, with alleged offenses dating back to August 2021. Finnish police have frozen his assets and those of his associates, citing concerns over illegal fundraising and incitement of violence in Nigeria's southeastern region.
The Nigerian government has been actively seeking Ekpa's extradition, accusing him of orchestrating violent activities and enforcing "sit-at-home" orders that have disrupted daily life in parts of southeastern Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu has commended Finnish authorities for their cooperation, while the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria acknowledged that Ekpa's actions have hindered bilateral relations.
Ekpa's supporters have protested his detention, viewing him as a symbol of the Biafran independence movement. His deputy, Ngozi Orabueze, has vowed to continue their campaign, asserting that efforts are ongoing to secure his release.
As legal proceedings continue in Finland, with a court appearance scheduled for June 2025, the Nigerian government remains steadfast in its pursuit of Ekpa's extradition, underscoring the complexities of international law and diplomacy in addressing transnational separatist movements.