On Tuesday, the Finnish government announced that it has begun addressing the complaint from the Nigerian government regarding Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen accused of leading violent pro-Biafra secessionist campaigns in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, stated during a press conference in Abuja that Mr. Ekpa’s case is now before Finnish courts.
“We have taken this up and discussed this with the Nigerian authorities… and the entire process is within our judicial system,” Ms Valtomen said, informing the gathering that the issue came up during a meeting with Nigerian government officials on Tuesday.
She noted that discussions with Nigerian authorities have taken place, and the matter is being handled within Finland’s judicial system. However, she did not elaborate on the specifics of the legal process.
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For years, the Nigerian government has pressured both the Finnish government and the European Union to take decisive action against Mr. Ekpa, whose provocative social media activities have been linked to violence and instability in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Valtonen, along with her Nordic counterparts, arrived in Nigeria on Monday for discussions on peace, security, trade, and investment cooperation.
The visiting delegation includes Sweden’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Tobias Billström, Iceland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir, Norway’s State Secretary for International Development Bjørg Sandkjær, and Denmark’s Under Secretary for Foreign Policy Eva Marie Frida Barløse.
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The Nordic ministers met with Nigerian government officials and ECOWAS representatives to discuss security, economic cooperation, education, trade, investment, and the rule of law. Mr. Ekpa’s case, which has strained diplomatic relations between Finland and Nigeria, was also addressed. While Valtonen did not mention Mr. Ekpa by name, her description clearly referred to him.
Mr. Ekpa, who claims to be the ‘Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in-Exile,’ has taken responsibility for attacks on Nigerian security forces and others he accuses of supporting Nigeria.
From his base in Finland, he advocates for extreme measures to achieve the secession of Nigeria’s South-East and parts of neighboring states as a sovereign Biafra, a movement that sparked the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970.
His tactics include enforcing a controversial stay-at-home order on Mondays and targeting federal government institutions, with significant economic impacts on the region.
Mr. Ekpa has differed from Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), regarding their approach to achieving Biafra’s sovereignty.
Kanu, a dual British and Nigerian citizen, has been held by Nigeria’s State Security Service (SSS) since June 2021. He faces treason charges related to his separatist activities.
The Nigerian government has accused Finland and the European Union of protecting Mr. Ekpa, thereby enabling continued destabilization of the South-East region.
Valtonen reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to the rule of law, stating, “Finland operates strictly according to the rule of law.” She emphasized that the case will be decided solely by Finnish courts, not political considerations, and expressed hope for a resolution soon.
The Nordic ministers plan to travel to Accra, Ghana, to further promote investment and trade cooperation.
