Finnish Government Confirms Actions Being Taken on Simon Ekpa’s Case

The Finnish government has announced that it is actively addressing the issue of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran activist involved in secessionist activities with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Nigeria’s South-East. This was revealed by Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, during a press conference in Abuja, alongside her Nordic counterparts. Valtonen stated that the matter, brought to Finland’s attention by the Nigerian government, is currently under review by Finnish courts.

Simon Ekpa, who refers to himself as the Biafra Prime Minister, has been a vocal advocate for sit-at-home orders in the South-East, despite the suspension of such activities by IPOB’s main leadership. In February 2023, just before Nigeria’s presidential and national assembly elections, Ekpa was arrested in Finland, where he resides, after he threatened to disrupt the elections in the South-East. He was apprehended at his home in Lahti by Finnish police, as reported by the Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat. Although IPOB has distanced itself from Ekpa, he has continued to promote his pro-Biafran views on social media following his release.

Valtonen was part of a delegation of Nordic Ministers, including representatives from Sweden, Finland, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark, who visited Nigeria to strengthen trade relations. The ministers emphasized their focus on combating violent extremism in West Africa and achieving sustainable development goals. The delegation will continue their visit in Ghana as part of their broader engagement with the African continent.