By Sola Ojewusi
Lahti, Finland – April 18, 2025
In a landmark decision with significant implications for transnational justice and regional stability, a Finnish court has approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, to Nigeria. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti ruled on April 18 that Ekpa will be handed over to Nigerian authorities on July 15, 2025.
Ekpa, who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-proclaimed Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has gained notoriety for promoting violent separatist rhetoric from abroad. He is alleged to be the leader of a self-styled group called “Autopilot” and is linked to the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), which authorities have accused of orchestrating kidnappings, assassinations, and violent enforcement of “sit-at-home” orders in southeastern Nigeria.
Contrary to repeated claims in Nigerian media and some government narratives, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from Ekpa, insisting he has no affiliation with their organization. IPOB maintains it remains a non-violent group with no factions.
“We don’t understand why the Nigerian government and media continue to tag him as a leader of a faction of IPOB. That is pure misinformation,” said an IPOB spokesperson. “Simon Ekpa runs his own network of criminals and kidnappers, and his actions do not represent our struggle.”
Ekpa was arrested in November 2024 in the city of Lahti following a months-long investigation by Finnish authorities. He is accused of using social media platforms to incite violence in Nigeria from abroad—calls that allegedly led to attacks on civilians and security forces. Four others were arrested alongside him on suspicions of funding and supporting his activities.
Nigeria has pursued Ekpa’s extradition since early 2023. The decision to grant the request is seen as a major diplomatic victory for the Nigerian government. A senior official from Nigeria’s Ministry of Defence described the court’s ruling as “a triumph for justice and a stern warning to those who seek to destabilize Nigeria from overseas.”
Finnish courts rarely authorize extraditions outside the European Union or Nordic countries. However, in this case, Finnish prosecutors said Nigeria presented compelling evidence under the Rome Statute—ratified by both countries—leading to an exceptional agreement.
Ekpa is expected to face multiple charges upon his return to Nigeria, including terrorism, conspiracy, incitement to violence, and crimes against the state. His trial is anticipated to draw intense scrutiny from both local and international observers, with several human rights organizations expected to monitor proceedings closely.
The extradition marks a crucial moment in Nigeria’s effort to clamp down on violent separatist agitation and signals a new era of international cooperation in tackling cross-border extremism.
