- Safiu Kehinde
Finland has approved the extradition of self-acclaimed Biafran Prime Minister, Simon Ekpa, to Nigeria.
Ekpa’s extradition was approved by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on April 18, 2025 and is set to be handed over to the Nigerian government on the 15th of July 2025.
NPO Reported that the Biafran leader was last year arrested alongside four others over alleged sponsor of terrorism and civil unrest in Southeast Nigeria.
As contained in a statement confirming his arrest by the Central Criminal Police, Ekpa was alleged to be promoting terrorist activities and public incitement to commit crimes in Nigeria.
Following his arrest, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) claimed Ekpa was not part of them.
The secessionist group had also denied ties with the Biafran Republic Government in Exile (BRIGE) formed by Ekpa.
They reiterated that Ekpa has never been a member of IPOB, adding that he is not a registered member in any country including in Finland.
Reaffirming the detained Nnamdi Kanu as its leader, the IPOB labelled Ekpa as an agent paid to infiltrate and destroy the group’s peaceful movement for Biafra self-determination.