The Nigerian government has ramped up efforts to extradite Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), from Finland.
This was disclosed by Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, on Tuesday following high-level talks with his counterparts from Finland, Sweden, and Iceland, as well as representatives from Norway and Denmark, in Abuja.
Speaking to the press after the meeting, Tuggar confirmed that Nigeria had forcefully raised the issue of Simon Ekpa with Finland. “It’s obvious that when Nigeria engages with Finland, the issue of Simon Ekpa will be brought up and addressed vigorously. Consider it done,” the minister stated.
Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Foreign Affairs Minister, also revealed that her country has begun addressing Nigeria’s complaint against Ekpa, who holds dual Nigerian-Finnish citizenship.
“We have discussed this with the Nigerian authorities, and the matter is now within our judicial system,” she said.
Valtonen acknowledged that the case involving Ekpa has strained diplomatic relations between Finland and Nigeria, though she refrained from directly naming him.
Her comments clearly referred to Ekpa, whose actions have put Finland in a difficult position as they navigate between upholding his right to freedom of expression and addressing the criminal nature of his inciteful social media activities, which have led to violence in Nigeria’s Southeast region.
Valtonen stressed that Finland’s handling of Ekpa’s case would be strictly in accordance with the rule of law, noting that the matter is not political but will be determined by Finnish courts.
“Finland strictly adheres to the rule of law,” she said, adding that the judicial systems of both countries are cooperating on the issue, with hopes for a resolution soon.
Ekpa, who identifies himself as the ‘Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile,’ has claimed responsibility for attacks on Nigerian security forces and individuals suspected of supporting the Nigerian government.
