Finland has confirmed that Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, will be extradited to Nigeria in July 2025 to face charges related to terrorism and incitement of violence.

The decision follows months of diplomatic negotiations and legal proceedings between Nigeria and Finland.

Ekpa’s Arrest and Charges
Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested in Lahti, Finland, in November 2024.

He was accused of using social media to incite violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s southeast.

Nigerian Government’s Reaction
The Nigerian government hailed the decision as a “triumph for justice.” A Defence Ministry official stated, “We are grateful to the Finnish government for their cooperation. Ekpa’s extradition will ensure he faces accountability for the chaos he has orchestrated in our country.”

Extradition Process
The extradition process faced hurdles due to Finland’s typical policy of not extraditing its citizens outside the EU or Nordic countries.

However, a rare agreement was reached after Nigeria provided compelling evidence of Ekpa’s alleged crimes, supported by international cooperation under the Rome Statute.

Tentative Extradition Date
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti finalized the extradition order on April 18, 2025, setting July 15 as the tentative date for Ekpa’s transfer to Nigeria.