Simon Ekpa to be extradited to Nigeria to face charges — Defence Headquarters
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja has confirmed that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be extradited to Nigeria to face charges.
In a brief statement, the Director of Defence Information, Brig. Gen. Tukur Gusau, expressed satisfaction with Ekpa’s arrest in Finland, adding that the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Chris Musa, hopes this will lead to his extradition for trial in Nigeria.
Ekpa was arrested in Lahti, Finland, after a district court remanded him on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Authorities allege that Ekpa used social media to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. The offenses reportedly date back to August 2021.
READ ALSO: Simon Ekpa, self-proclaimed IPOB Leader, arrested
Finnish authorities have also investigated Ekpa for possible financial crimes, including collecting funds through illicit means. Crime commissioner Otto Hiltunen stated that Ekpa’s activities in Finland are suspected of inciting violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.
Additionally, four other suspects, allegedly involved in financing terrorism, were arrested in connection with crimes in 2022. Ekpa had been previously detained in February 2023 but released after questioning.
Known locally in Finland as a politician affiliated with the National Coalition Party, Ekpa has used his platform to call for election boycotts and support Biafra’s independence movement.
Proofreading by Uchechi Ojo, Sub-editor at NeptunePrime.
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