The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed efforts to extradite Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to face charges linked to public incitement and terrorism in Nigeria.
Speaking in a statement, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, disclosed that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed satisfaction with Ekpa’s arrest in Finland, describing it as a positive step toward ensuring justice.
“The CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” Gusau stated.
Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria through IPOB, was remanded by a district court in Lahti, Finland. The court cited probable cause for public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, with allegations dating back to August 2021.
Finnish authorities have previously investigated Ekpa for alleged financial crimes, including the unlawful collection of funds. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen of Finland’s Central Criminal Police revealed that Ekpa’s social media activities promoted violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.
“The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of southeastern Nigeria,” Hiltunen stated.
The investigation also implicated four other suspects, accused of financing terrorism in Lahti, Finland, in August 2022. These individuals, born in the 1960s and 1970s, are said to be of foreign backgrounds.
During the investigation’s preliminary phase, international cooperation was emphasized, with Finnish media outlet *Helsingin Sanomat* reporting that five suspects were arrested in connection with the case.
This isn’t the first time Ekpa has come under scrutiny. In February 2023, he was briefly detained by Finnish authorities after being accused of using social media to spread separatist propaganda. Although released after questioning, the incident triggered investigations into his activities and potential links to other crimes.
Nigerian authorities remain resolute in ensuring Ekpa’s extradition and holding him accountable for his actions, which they believe have escalated tensions in the southeastern region.
