In a landmark move with major implications for regional security and international justice, Finnish authorities have approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, the controversial Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, to Nigeria.
Ekpa, who has declared himself the “Prime Minister” of the self-styled Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is set to be transferred on July 15, 2025, following the ruling of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on April 18.
Long seen as the face of a violent offshoot of the Biafran agitation, Ekpa has been at the center of growing unrest in Nigeria’s South-East, accused of using social media to incite violence and enforce deadly “sit-at-home” orders that have paralyzed communities and cost lives.
Despite widespread media portrayal, Ekpa is not affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). The group has repeatedly distanced itself from him, insisting that it remains non-violent and does not recognize Ekpa or his actions.
“Simon Ekpa runs his own criminal network. He is not, and has never been, a part of IPOB,” a spokesperson for the group stated. “It’s dangerous and deceptive for the Nigerian government and media to conflate him with our non-violent movement.”
Instead, Ekpa leads a fringe group known as “AutoPilot” and is allegedly linked to a militant arm called the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), accused of kidnappings, assassinations, and coordinated attacks.
Ekpa was arrested in Lahti, Finland, in November 2024 after a months-long investigation. Finnish authorities charged him with inciting violence from abroad, leading to deadly attacks on civilians and Nigerian security forces. Four other individuals were also detained in connection with funding and facilitating his operations.
The Nigerian government, which has been pressing for his extradition since early 2023, welcomed the court’s ruling as a victory for justice.
“This is a breakthrough and a stern warning to anyone attempting to destabilize Nigeria from foreign soil,” a senior official from the Ministry of Defence said.
Ekpa’s extradition is a rare case. Finland traditionally avoids extraditing its citizens outside the EU or Nordic region. However, Nigeria’s submission of evidence under the Rome Statute, to which both nations are signatories, led to an exception. Finnish authorities confirmed the process complied fully with international law and due process.
Upon arrival in Nigeria, Ekpa is expected to face multiple charges including terrorism, conspiracy, incitement of violence, and crimes against the state. His trial is anticipated to draw global attention, with human rights observers closely monitoring developments.
