By Abiola Olawale
A Finnish Court has approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, to Nigeria.
In its ruling, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti, Finland also announced that Ekpa’s transfer to Nigeria is scheduled for July 15, 2025.
It was gathered that the Finnish court’s judgement on April 18, 2025, followed Nigeria’s submission of evidence under the Rome Statute, which both Nigeria and Finland have ratified.
Ekpa, who styles himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-proclaimed Biafra Republic, was arrested in Finland on November 21, 2024.
His arrest was said to have come following months of surveillance by Finnish authorities. He is facing serious charges including alleged incitement, terrorism, and conspiracy, accused of orchestrating violent unrest in southeastern Nigeria through his social media broadcasts.
Although often linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) by the media, IPOB has publicly distanced itself from Ekpa, emphasizing its non-violent stance and denying any affiliation.
It would be recalled that following Ekpa’s arrest, the federal government announced its decision to actively pursue his, with the Nigerian Army and Foreign Affairs Ministry submitting necessary documentation in December 2024.
