Breaking News: Finland Approves Extradition of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria on Terrorism Charges

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader of the self-declared Biafra Government-in-Exile, is set to be extradited to Nigeria on July 15, 2025.The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti, Finland, approved the extradition on April 18, 2025.

– It was gathered that Ekpa was arrested in Lahti in November 2024 after Finnish authorities conducted months of surveillance. He is accused of inciting violence from abroad via social media,leading a criminal group called “Autopilot,” linked to the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), which is blamed for kidnappings and killings in Nigeria’s southeast.

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However,Ekpa is known for enforcing violent “sit-at-home” orders in Nigeria’s southeast, leading to deadly consequences.
– Although he is often referred to as an IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) leader, the group has disowned him, labeling him a rogue agitator who runs a criminal network.

Upon extradition, Ekpa will face charges including:terrorism,conspiracy,incitement of violence and crimes against the state.

His trial is expected to be one of Nigeria’s most high-profile cases in recent history.