Finland approves extradition of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria, gives timeline

In a development that carries serious implications for both regional security and international justice, Finnish authorities have approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a controversial Finnish-Nigerian separatist figure, to Nigeria.

The handover is expected to take place on July 15, 2025, following a ruling by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on April 18, 2025.

Ekpa, who describes himself as the “Prime Minister” of a self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been at the centre of violent separatist campaigns targeting Nigeria’s southeast.

However, despite repeated claims by sections of the Nigerian media and government, Simon Ekpa is not a member of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

The group has consistently distanced itself from him, stating it has no factions and rejecting any link with his activities.

According to IPOB, Ekpa runs a separate network known as “Autopilot” and is connected to an armed criminal group called the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), which has been accused of kidnappings, killings, and forcing violent “sit-at-home” orders across the southeast.

IPOB officials argue that associating him with their organisation is misleading and harmful.

“We don’t understand why the Nigerian government and media keep presenting him as a factional leader of IPOB.

That’s misinformation and deception,” an IPOB spokesperson stated. “Simon Ekpa operates his own criminal ring, and his actions do not represent the peaceful Biafra struggle or IPOB’s ideology.”

Ekpa was arrested in Lahti, Finland, in November 2024 after months of surveillance by Finnish police. He is accused of inciting violence from abroad through social media broadcasts, which authorities claim led to deadly attacks on civilians and security personnel in Nigeria.

Four other people were also picked up in connection with allegedly financing and supporting his operations.

The Nigerian government, which had been pressing for his extradition since early 2023, welcomed the Finnish court’s ruling as a significant breakthrough.

A senior official at Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence described it as “a victory for justice and a clear message to anyone attempting to destabilize Nigeria from outside its borders.”

Ekpa’s extradition was initially challenged by legal obstacles, as Finland typically avoids sending its citizens to non-European countries.

However, after Nigeria submitted convincing evidence under the Rome Statute, ratified by both nations, a special agreement was reached.

Finnish authorities stressed that the decision followed all international legal standards and due process.

Once in Nigeria, Ekpa is expected to face several charges including terrorism, incitement to violence, conspiracy, and crimes against the state.

His trial is expected to attract national and global attention, with both local and international human rights organisations likely to closely monitor proceedings.