Crime

Simon Ekpa to Be Extradited to Nigeria to Face Terrorism Charges, Says Nigerian Defence Headquarters

Published by Tope Fakinlede on November 22nd, 2024.

Simon Ekpa to Be Extradited to Nigeria to Face Terrorism Charges, Says Nigerian Defence Headquarters

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters has confirmed that Simon Ekpa, the self-declared leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), will be extradited to Nigeria to face charges related to his alleged involvement in terrorism and separatist activities.

In a brief statement issued to SaharaReporters, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, the Director of Defence Information, conveyed the satisfaction of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, regarding Ekpa’s detention. Gusau expressed hope that Ekpa’s arrest in Finland would pave the way for his eventual extradition to Nigeria, where he is expected to stand trial.

“The CDS is pleased with his arrest in Finland and looks forward to his extradition to Nigeria, where he will face justice,” Gusau said.

Ekpa, who is accused of inciting violence and promoting separatism through social media, was detained by Finnish authorities in Lahti after the district court found sufficient grounds to charge him with public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. His actions, which reportedly began in August 2021, were linked to the IPOB’s push for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.

In addition to the terrorism charges, Ekpa has also been under investigation in Finland for financial crimes, including allegedly raising funds through dubious means. Otto Hiltunen, a crime commissioner with the Central Criminal Police, revealed that Ekpa’s activities were suspected to have contributed to violent incidents targeting civilians and security forces in Nigeria’s southeastern region.

Authorities in Finland have also arrested four other individuals accused of financing terrorism, with these suspects believed to have committed the crimes in August 2022. The suspects, born in the 1960s and 1970s, are of foreign descent, and police have emphasized the role of international cooperation in the investigation.

The investigation into Ekpa’s activities began in 2023, when he was briefly detained in Lahti, though he was released after questioning. During this time, Finnish authorities received several reports about Ekpa’s online activities, which led to a broader investigation into possible connections to other criminal actions.

In Finland, Ekpa is known for his political engagement, having previously served as a deputy councillor and a representative on the Lahti public transport board, affiliated with the National Coalition Party. However, from his base in Lahti, he has also used his social media presence to advocate for Biafra’s independence and call for election boycotts, further entrenching his role in the IPOB’s separatist campaign.