The Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja has announced that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be extradited to Nigeria to face charges against him.

In a brief statement provided to SaharaReporters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, revealed that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, expressed satisfaction with Ekpa’s arrest. He stated, “The CDS is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope that this will pave the way for his extradition to Nigeria so he can face justice.”

Simon Ekpa’s legal troubles began after the district court in Lahti, Finland, ordered his remand on probable cause for public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Authorities accused him of using social media platforms to disseminate separatist propaganda associated with IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. The alleged offences date back to August 23, 2021.

Additionally, Finnish authorities have been investigating Ekpa for alleged financial crimes, including raising funds through questionable means. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police commented, “The police suspect that the man has used resources from Finland to promote activities that have led to violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other crimes in southeastern Nigeria. He has carried out these activities, among other means, on his social media channels.”