The Nigerian government’s attempt to extradite pro-Biafra activist Simon Ekpa from Finland to face terrorism charges has encountered significant obstacles.
Ejes Gist News reports that the Finnish legal restrictions are likely to impede
the process.
Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the prime minister of the Biafra Government In Exile (BRIGE), was arrested along with four others by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities. Finnish police suspect Ekpa of contributing to violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria.
Despite Nigeria’s defence chief, General Christopher Musa, expressing the country’s intention to push for Ekpa’s extradition, Finland has clarified that its laws prohibit the extradition of nationals outside the European Union or Nordic countries. This legal framework complicates Nigeria’s request, as there is no existing extradition treaty between the two nations.
Reports indicate that Finnish legislation, which strongly protects freedom of speech, must be adhered to. Lagos-based lawyer Festus Ogun emphasized the importance of an extradition treaty, stating that without one, there is no legal basis for Ekpa’s extradition.
Former British Police Officer and National Security Risk Strategist Vince Onyekwelu noted on Arise TV that while Finnish authorities have the right to arrest Ekpa, the absence of an extradition treaty makes his transfer to Nigeria unlikely. The court will ultimately decide on the extradition request, but the current legal constraints present a formidable challenge.
