The Finnish government has confirmed that it is taking legal action against Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafran activist, over his secessionist activities linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Nigeria’s South-East region.
This was disclosed by Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, during a press conference in Abuja on Tuesday.
Valtonen, who addressed the press alongside her Nordic counterparts, revealed that the case against Ekpa, which was reported to the Finnish authorities by the Nigerian government, is now before Finnish courts.
“The matter is being handled through our legal system, and the case is currently in Finnish courts,” she stated.
Simon Ekpa, who self-styles as the Prime Minister of Biafra, has been a vocal advocate for the sit-at-home directives in the South-Eastern states of Nigeria, despite the suspension of such activities by the mainstream leadership of IPOB.
Ekpa’s actions have been a source of tension in the region, particularly his threats that the 2023 presidential and national assembly elections would not take place in the South-East.
In February 2023, just days before the elections, Ekpa was arrested by Finnish police at his residence in Lahti, Finland, following his repeated declarations that there would be no elections in Nigeria’s South-East and his insistence on the observance of sit-at-home orders every Monday in protest against the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu.
The Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported his arrest, which took place amid rising concerns over his influence on the situation in Nigeria.
Although Ekpa was released shortly after his arrest, he has remained active on social media, where he continues to post pro-Biafran messages.
Despite his activities, IPOB has distanced itself from Ekpa, making it clear that his actions do not represent the group’s official stance.
Minister Valtonen’s visit to Nigeria was part of a broader delegation of Nordic Ministers, including representatives from Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark. The delegation aimed to strengthen trade ties with Nigeria and other African nations.
During the visit, the ministers emphasized their commitment to countering violent extremism in West Africa and achieving sustainable development goals.
The delegation’s two-day trip will continue in Ghana, where they plan to further discussions on deepening relations across the African continent.