A court in Finland has granted approval for the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, to face multiple criminal charges in Nigeria, including incitement, terrorism, and conspiracy.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti gave the green light on Thursday, following a longstanding request from the Nigerian government. Ekpa is expected to be handed over by July 15, according to local media reports.
Ekpa, who claims to lead the self-styled Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile as “Prime Minister,” is accused by Nigerian authorities of promoting violence in the country’s southeast region from overseas. He was taken into custody by Finnish authorities in November 2024 after being under surveillance for several months.
While he has often been linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the group has publicly distanced itself from him. IPOB representatives have insisted that Ekpa is not affiliated with their organization and criticized efforts to associate him with their cause.
Ekpa is believed to lead a splinter movement called “Autopilot,” which security forces allege is connected to the Biafra Liberation Army. This group is suspected of enforcing violent sit-at-home orders and carrying out attacks in the southeast.
Nigerian officials presented their case for extradition under the Rome Statute, to which both Finland and Nigeria are signatories. Finnish authorities emphasized that the court’s decision was grounded in due process and international legal standards.
The Nigerian government welcomed the court’s ruling, describing it as a step toward accountability and a message to individuals attempting to undermine national security from abroad.
Ekpa’s anticipated trial in Nigeria is expected to draw significant international attention, as legal proceedings unfold in the coming months.
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