The Finnish authorities have approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a controversial Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, to Nigeria.
The transfer is scheduled for July 15, 2025, following a ruling by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on April 18, 2025. Ekpa, who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been at the center of escalating violent separatist rhetoric targeting Nigeria’s southeastern region.
Contrary to persistent claims in Nigerian media and some official quarters, Ekpa is not affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group that has repeatedly disowned him.
“We don’t understand why the Nigerian government and media continue to tag him as a leader of a faction of IPOB. That is pure misinformation and deceptive,” an IPOB spokesperson stated.
“Simon Ekpa runs his own network of criminals and kidnappers, and his actions have nothing to do with the actual Biafran struggle or IPOB’s ideology of non-violence.”
Ekpa is known to lead a self-formed faction dubbed the “Autopilot,” which has been linked to a criminal armed group known as the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA).
The network is accused of orchestrating kidnappings, assassinations, and enforcing violent “sit-at-home” orders that have crippled normal life in parts of southeastern Nigeria.
He was arrested in Lahti, Finland, in November 2024 following months of surveillance by Finnish security agencies.
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Authorities say he used social media platforms to incite violence from abroad, with some of his broadcasts allegedly triggering attacks on civilians and security operatives in Nigeria.
Four other individuals were also arrested for allegedly financing and facilitating his operations. The Nigerian government, which has pursued his extradition since early 2023, welcomed the Finnish court’s decision.
A senior official from the Ministry of Defence described it as “a triumph for justice and a stern warning to those who think they can destabilize Nigeria from foreign soil.”
Ekpa’s extradition marks a rare legal precedent, as Finland typically does not extradite its citizens outside the European Union or Nordic region. However, after Nigeria submitted compelling evidence under the Rome Statute—ratified by both countries—a special agreement was reached.
Finnish authorities emphasized that the court ruling adhered strictly to international law and due process. Upon arrival in Nigeria, Ekpa is expected to face multiple charges, including terrorism, incitement of violence, conspiracy, and crimes against the state.
Legal experts predict that his trial will be one of the most closely watched in recent Nigerian history, with both domestic and international human rights organizations monitoring the proceedings.
