A court in Finland has approved the extradition of Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian man, to face multiple charges Nigeria, including incitement, terrorism and conspiracy.
The transfer is scheduled for July 15, 2025 after a longstanding request from the Nigerian government. The ruling was given by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on April 18, 2025.
Ekpa, who claims to be the “Prime Minister” of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been accused of orchestrating violence in the southeast region from overseas.
His was arrested in November 2024 following months of surveillance by Finnish authorities.
While he has often been linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the group has repeatedly distanced themselves from Ekpa and have criticized efforts to associate him with their own cause.
Ekpa is believed to lead a movement called “Autopilot”. This group is suspected of enforcing sit at home orders carrying out attacks in the southeast.
The Nigerian Government welcomed the courts ruling, describing it as a step toward accountability and a message to individuals attempting to undermine national security from overseas.
