Simon Ekpa’s Activities Now Before Finnish Courts” – Finland’s Foreign Affairs Minister

In a press conference in Abuja, Elina Valtonen, the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland, confirmed that the Finnish government is addressing the case of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran agitator. Ekpa’s activities, reported by the Nigerian government, are currently being reviewed by Finnish courts.

Ekpa, who resides in Finland, is a strong advocate for the secessionist activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Nigeria’s South-East region. Despite IPOB’s mainstream leadership suspending sit-at-home orders, Ekpa has continued to promote these directives.

In February 2023, just days before Nigeria’s presidential and national assembly elections, Ekpa was arrested in Lahti, Finland. This followed his threats that the elections would not proceed in the South-East region. Finnish newspaper Helsingin Sanomat reported on his arrest.

Although released, Ekpa remains active on social media, continuing his advocacy for Biafra and supporting sit-at-home protests every Monday to demand the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. IPOB, however, has distanced itself from Ekpa, particularly after his arrest.

Valtonen’s visit was part of a delegation of Nordic ministers, including representatives from Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark. The delegation aims to strengthen trade ties with Nigeria and focus on countering violent extremism and achieving sustainable development goals in West Africa. Their tour will continue in Ghana.