BREAKING: Simon Ekpa to Be Extradited to Nigeria for Trial, Defence Headquarters Confirms
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja has announced that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra in exile, will be extradited to Nigeria to face charges against him.
In a brief statement obtained by Igbo History, the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, stated that the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Chris Musa, was pleased with Ekpa’s arrest and the progress of his trial.
“The CDS is satisfied with the arrest of Ekpa in Finland and hopes this will lead to his extradition to Nigeria to face justice,” Gusau stated.
Earlier, a district court in Lahti, Finland, ordered Ekpa’s remand on charges of public incitement to commit terrorism-related crimes in Nigeria. He is accused of using social media to promote separatist propaganda. The alleged offences date back to August 23, 2021.
Additionally, Finnish authorities have investigated Ekpa for suspected financial crimes, including illicit fundraising activities. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen from the Central Criminal Police noted that Ekpa’s actions, particularly on social media, have contributed to violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.
In the same investigation, four other suspects are facing charges for financing terrorism, related to activities in Lahti in August 2022. These people are believed to have ties to Ekpa’s operations.
Ekpa, a local politician affiliated with Finland’s National Coalition Party, has previously served as a deputy councillor and represented the party on the Lahti region’s public transport board. From his residence in Lahti, he has used social media to advocate for election boycotts and a “sit-at-home” order that went against the will of the people.
