IPOB factional leader, Simon Ekpa,
The Nigerian government has formally requested the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra separatist leader, from Finland.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, confirmed on Thursday that the necessary documentation for Ekpa’s extradition has been submitted to Finnish authorities.
In an interview on national television, Gen. Musa stated, “I’m sure he (Ekpa) is cooling off somewhere. Legal steps will be taken accordingly. I’m happy he has been arrested, and the Federal Government has forwarded most of the required documents to Finland.”
The CDS also addressed the ongoing sit-at-home orders promoted by Ekpa and his supporters in the Southeast, noting that military operations have significantly reduced their impact.
Ekpa, along with four others, was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024 on charges related to terrorism, including inciting violence and financing terrorism.
The Lahti district court in Finland remanded him in custody, citing probable cause for his involvement in public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria.
Ekpa is accused of using social media to spread separatist messages in support of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group seeking to secede from Nigeria’s southeastern region.
