Nigeria to extradite Simon Ekpa as Finnish authorities effect arrest over terrorism activities
Nigeria is set to extradite IPOB agitator, Simon Ekpa following his arrest by Finnish authorities over terrorism and fraud related activities.
Ekpa, who holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and Finland, was previously arrested at his Lahti residence in February 2023 but was released after several hours of questioning. His activities on social media had drawn multiple complaints, prompting investigations into potential links to other crimes.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters, Abuja in a statement by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information emphasised the satisfaction of the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, with recent developments regarding Ekpa’s detention in Finland.
“The Chief of Defence Staff is happy with his arrest in Finland, with the hope that this will be a step towards his extradition to Nigeria so that he will face justice,” Gusau stated.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals suspected of terrorist activities.
According to the police, Simon Ekpa, identified as the main suspect, was detained “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the four others were apprehended “for financing a terrorist crime.”
The police statement further revealed: “Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”
It elaborated that the investigation centres on “a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation, stated: “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”
The four other suspects are accused of financing the activities under investigation. “All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week,” the statement confirmed, adding that international cooperation has been integral to the preliminary investigation
