The Finnish government has assured Nigeria that it is taking decisive legal action against Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure and leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile. This assurance was given by Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, during a press conference held in Abuja on August 14.
Valtonen, addressing the media alongside her Nordic counterparts, stated, "The case of Simon Ekpa, whose activities were reported to us by the Nigerian government, is now before Finnish courts." She emphasized that Finland operates strictly by the rule of law and that the judicial process will be followed meticulously.
Simon Ekpa, born on March 21, 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, is a Finnish politician and Biafran political activist. He has been leading the Biafra Republic Government in Exile and its military wings since April 2023.
Ekpa, who resides in Finland, has been a vocal proponent of the secessionist movement in Nigeria's South-East region, often enforcing sit-at-home orders that have led to several economic disruptions.
In February 2023, just days before Nigeria's presidential and national assembly elections, Ekpa was arrested in his residence in Lahti, Finland, after threatening that the elections would not be held in the South-East. Despite his arrest and subsequent release, Ekpa has continued to be active on social media, promoting his pro-Biafran messages.
Nigeria's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, confirmed that the issue of Simon Ekpa was a priority during discussions with the Nordic ministers. "There is no way Nigeria would engage with Finland without raising the issue of Simon Ekpa vociferously," Tuggar asserted.
The Finnish government has acknowledged the strain this case has placed on diplomatic relations between the two countries. Valtonen noted, "We have taken this up and discussed this with the Nigerian authorities… and the entire process is within our judicial system."
Ekpa's actions have not only complicated Finland's diplomatic stance but have also led to violence in Nigeria's Southeast region. His enforcement of the illegal stay-at-home order every Monday has caused widespread fear and economic hardship among residents.
As both nations' judicial systems collaborate on this matter, there is hope for a resolution soon. Valtonen reiterated, "It is not a political question, but it is a question to the judicial system and both our judicial systems do collaborate on this matter, and we hope that we will be able to close it soon."
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