Rita Odafe
Nigeria Requests Extradition of Pro-Biafran Activist Simon Ekpa from Finland
The Nigerian government has formally sent the required documentation to Finland for the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran activist. This was announced by General Christopher Musa, the Chief of Defence Staff, during a statement on Tuesday.
In an interview with Channel TV, General Musa confirmed that all necessary legal papers for Ekpa’s extradition have been submitted to Finnish authorities for their assessment.
This action is part of Nigeria’s efforts to tackle Ekpa’s activities, which have been described as inciting violence and promoting terrorist and separatist movements within the nation.
Musa remarked, “I believe he is in a safe place right now,” while discussing the separatist leader’s arrest during a Year-In-Review show on December 31, 2024.
He also mentioned, “Legal proceedings will follow accordingly. I prefer not to elaborate too much, but I am pleased with his arrest. The Federal Government has supplied most of the essential documents to the Finnish authorities, and I trust that proper actions will be taken.”
In November 2024, Finnish officials apprehended Ekpa and four accomplices on accusations related to terrorist activities, such as inciting violence and funding terrorism.
The Lahti District Court in Finland has kept Ekpa in custody due to credible evidence suggesting his involvement in public incitement to carry out acts with terrorist objectives in Nigeria.
This separatist figure is charged with leveraging social media platforms to spread separatist messages and advocate for the violent separation of southeastern Nigeria.
