Simeon Ekpa Won’t Be Repatriated Until Finnish Legal Case Concludes, Says FG

The federal government has announced that Biafran political activist, Simeon Ekpa will not be repatriated from Finland until his ongoing legal proceedings in the Nordic country are fully resolved.

This clarification comes amid growing public interest in Ekpa’s case, which has drawn significant attention in both Nigeria and Finland.

Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, recently confirmed that Ekpa is facing multiple charges in Finland related to cross-border offenses.

Finnish authorities have insisted that he must first complete his trials there before any extradition to Nigeria can be considered.

Ekpa, a key figure in the Biafran separatist movement, was arrested by Finnish police in November 2024. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation has accused him of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and participating in the activities of a terrorist group, primarily linked to his online activities advocating for Biafran independence.

In April 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti, Finland, approved Nigeria’s request for Ekpa’s extradition, tentatively scheduling his transfer for July 15, 2025. However, this transfer is contingent upon the completion of his legal battles in Finland.

Finnish authorities have maintained that due process must be followed, delaying any immediate handover to Nigerian officials.

Ekpa’s legal team and supporters have criticized the Finnish government’s actions, arguing that his detention is politically motivated and violates his rights to free speech and self-determination.

They contend that his vocal support for Biafran independence is being unfairly criminalized.

President Bola Tinubu has expressed appreciation for Finland’s cooperation in addressing Ekpa’s case, emphasizing Nigeria’s commitment to national unity and the rule of law.

The Nigerian government has made it clear that it will continue to pursue Ekpa’s extradition once his Finnish trials conclude, reaffirming its resolve to maintain national stability.

For now, Ekpa remains in custody in Finland, with his potential extradition to Nigeria depending on the outcome of his current legal battles.

The situation continues to evolve, with both governments closely monitoring developments.