A district court in Finland has authorized the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, to face charges in Nigeria related to incitement, terrorism, and conspiracy.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti reached its decision on Thursday, approving Nigeria’s request for Ekpa’s extradition.
Reports indicate that he is expected to be transferred to Nigerian custody on July 15.
Ekpa, who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been accused by Nigerian authorities of instigating violence in the southeastern region of the country from abroad.
His arrest by Finnish authorities took place in November 2024 after an extended period of surveillance.
Although often linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the media, the group has repeatedly disassociated itself from Ekpa’s actions.
An IPOB representative clarified that Ekpa is not connected to their operations, describing such associations as “misleading and harmful.”
Ekpa is reportedly the leader of a breakaway faction known as “Autopilot,” which is believed to have ties to a militant organization called the Biafra Liberation Army. Security agencies in Nigeria have attributed violent sit-at-home campaigns, abductions, and targeted killings in the southeast to this group.
The Nigerian government submitted documents invoking the Rome Statute—ratified by both nations—to justify the extradition.
Finnish officials emphasized that the legal process complied fully with international laws and judicial standards.
In response to the court’s ruling, Nigerian authorities described it as a victory for justice and a clear message against efforts to destabilize the country from abroad.
Ekpa is now expected to stand trial in Nigeria, with international observers monitoring developments closely.