Finland arrests Simon Ekpa as Nigeria seeks extradition

Finnish police have arrested Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian dual citizen and leader of a banned secessionist movement, on suspicion of inciting violence in southeastern Nigeria. The move has prompted Nigeria to renew its calls for Ekpa’s extradition, accusing him of terrorism and extremism.

Ekpa, a vocal advocate for the independence of Biafra, has been accused of using social media to promote violence and civil disobedience in the region.

He claims leadership of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group outlawed in Nigeria and designated a terrorist organisation.

Finnish authorities revealed that Ekpa and four others, suspected of financing his activities, were detained in Lahti. Detectives allege that Ekpa’s online campaigns have directly led to violence against civilians and public officials in Nigeria. Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen stated that the investigation has involved international cooperation but did not specify Nigeria’s involvement.

Nigerian officials have been vocal in their demands for Ekpa’s extradition. Army spokesperson Tukur Gusau described the arrest as a significant victory, expressing hope that Ekpa will face justice in Nigeria. Nigeria’s Director of Defence Media Operations, Edward Buba, praised international collaboration in addressing terrorism.

Special assistant to Nigeria’s president, Dada Olusegun, took to social media to mock Ekpa’s self-proclaimed title, referring to him as "Prime Minister," while reiterating expectations for extradition. However, no formal request has yet been confirmed.

Simon Ekpa’s arrest has unsettled Nigerians in Finland, with many fearing reprisals from his supporters. A Nigerian community leader, speaking anonymously, noted widespread reluctance to comment on the case, citing safety concerns. Accusations against those allegedly reporting Ekpa have further heightened tensions.Calls to identify Ekpa’s sponsors, particularly from the US, have intensified online, with demands for accountability over violence in southeastern Nigeria.

This is not Nigeria’s first attempt to have Ekpa extradited. A similar push in February 2023 following threats by Ekpa to disrupt Nigeria’s general elections failed after Finnish authorities released him after a brief interrogation. At the time, Finland cited Ekpa’s rights as a Finnish citizen while expressing concern about his activities.

Ekpa’s separatist movement has deep historical roots. The push for Biafran independence led to a civil war in Nigeria from 1967 to 1970, resulting in over a million deaths, many due to starvation. IPOB, formed in 2012, initially pursued nonviolent means for secession but launched an armed wing in 2020, claiming to protect the Igbo ethnic group.

Ekpa rose to prominence in 2021, declaring himself the “Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile” and a successor to IPOB’s leader Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in custody since 2021. IPOB has distanced itself from Ekpa’s faction, criticising his methods.

In southeastern Nigeria, Ekpa’s directives, including sit-at-home orders, have caused widespread disruption. Critics say the enforcement of these orders has led to violence, with civilians and businesses caught in the crossfire.

The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti is considering a request from Finnish authorities to extend the detention of Ekpa and his alleged accomplices. Finland has not confirmed whether it will comply with Nigeria’s extradition request.

While Finnish police have emphasised their commitment to addressing crimes linked to Ekpa, they have also reiterated the importance of respecting due process and international law.

HT