BREAKING: DHQ confirms plans to extradite Simon Ekpa to face charges in Nigeria

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has announced plans to extradite Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to Nigeria to face charges.

In a statement released to News360 Nigeria, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, revealed that Chief of Defence Staff General Chris Musa expressed satisfaction with Ekpa’s recent arrest in Finland. Gusau stated, “The CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice.”

Ekpa is accused of promoting separatist propaganda linked to IPOB through social media, inciting violence, and supporting activities that have reportedly led to civilian and security personnel casualties in southeastern Nigeria. His offences allegedly date back to August 23, 2021.

The Finland district court in Lahti recently ordered Ekpa’s remand on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Finnish authorities are also investigating him for financial crimes, including raising funds through questionable means.

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen of Finland’s Central Criminal Police stated that Ekpa’s activities had led to crimes and unrest in Nigeria, primarily orchestrated from his residence in Lahti via social media.

Ekpa, a local politician in Finland, previously served as a deputy councillor with the National Coalition Party and represented Lahti’s public transport board. Despite his political affiliations in Finland, he has used his platform to advocate for Biafra’s independence and call for election boycotts in Nigeria.

Finnish police arrested Ekpa in February 2023 for similar allegations but released him after questioning. Authorities have confirmed ongoing investigations into his activities and those of four other suspects arrested on allegations of financing terrorism.

The DHQ’s assurance of extradition highlights the Nigerian government’s determination to address what it deems a critical threat to national unity and stability.