In a landmark decision with significant implications for regional security and international justice, Finnish authorities have approved the extradition of Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator Simon Ekpa to Nigeria. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti delivered the ruling on April 18, setting July 15, 2025, as the date for his transfer.
Ekpa, a controversial figure who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has long been associated with violent rhetoric and activities linked to the unrest in Nigeria’s southeast. His arrest in Lahti in November 2024 followed months of surveillance by Finnish authorities, who accuse him of inciting violence through social media, resulting in attacks on civilians and security forces.
The Nigerian government, which has sought Ekpa’s extradition since early 2023, welcomed the court’s decision as a major victory. “This is a triumph for justice and a stern warning to those who believe they can destabilize Nigeria from foreign soil,” a senior official from the Ministry of Defence stated.
Ekpa leads a radical faction known as “Autopilot,” with alleged ties to the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA)—a group accused of kidnappings, assassinations, and violently enforcing stay-at-home orders in the southeast region of Nigeria. Contrary to frequent reports, he is not affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which has consistently denied any connection to him.
“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 and deceptive,” an IPOB spokesperson told journalists. “Simon Ekpa runs his own network of criminals and kidnappers, and his actions have nothing to do with the actual Biafran struggle or IPOB’s ideology of non-violence.”
The extradition process was complex, with Finland—known for its cautious approach to international extraditions—rarely approving transfers outside the EU or Nordic countries. However, after Nigeria submitted evidence under the Rome Statute, which both nations have ratified, Finnish authorities ruled that the extradition met international legal standards and respected due process.
Ekpa is expected to face a raft of charges upon arrival in Nigeria, including terrorism, conspiracy, incitement of violence, and crimes against the state. His trial is anticipated to draw wide domestic and international attention, with human rights organizations closely monitoring proceedings for compliance with legal and ethical standards.
Four additional suspects were also detained in Finland in connection with Ekpa’s activities, with charges related to financing and facilitating his operations.
As Nigeria prepares for the high-profile trial, security analysts suggest the extradition may mark a turning point in the government’s efforts to curb violent separatist movements and hold their leaders accountable, regardless of their location.
