Finland Approves Extradition of Biafran Separatist Leader Simon Ekpa to Nigeria Over Terrorism Charges.

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Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian dual citizen and self-proclaimed "Prime Minister" of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is set to face terrorism-related charges in Finland by May 2025. 

The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti has scheduled this timeline for prosecutors to present formal charges against him .

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Ekpa was arrested in November 2024 alongside four others on suspicion of inciting violence and financing terrorism. Finnish authorities allege that he used social media platforms to promote violence in Nigeria's South-East region, leading to attacks on civilians and government officials .

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has confirmed that Ekpa is being held on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. The other suspects are accused of financing terrorist activities .

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Nigeria has expressed a strong desire to extradite Ekpa to face charges in its courts. However, legal experts note that Finland, like other European Union countries, does not extradite its citizens outside the EU or Nordic countries. Additionally, there is no existing extradition treaty between Nigeria and Finland, complicating the process .

Despite these challenges, Nigerian authorities remain hopeful.  The country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has engaged in diplomatic discussions with Finland, emphasizing the importance of addressing transnational threats to national security .

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Ekpa's activities have drawn significant attention, both domestically and internationally. His calls for sit-at-home protests and election boycotts have been linked to economic disruptions and increased insecurity in Nigeria's South-East region.

 The Nigerian military has previously declared him wanted for terrorism and violent extremism .

As the May 2025 trial date approaches, the international community will be closely monitoring the proceedings, which have significant implications for international law, national sovereignty, and the fight against terrorism.

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