The Nigerian government’s efforts to extradite Simon Ekpa from Finland are facing significant legal challenges, according to Mazi Uche Mefor, the founder of the Igbo-Biafra Nationalists (IBN).
Ekpa, a Finnish citizen, has been accused by Nigerian authorities of fueling insecurity in the Southeast region, particularly through his role in the Biafra separatist movement.
The Nigerian government has intensified efforts to bring Ekpa back to face charges related to the violence and unrest caused by his actions. However, Mefor, a key figure in the Biafran movement, has made it clear that the extradition process is bound to fail.
“The debate surrounding Simon Ekpa’s potential extradition from Finland to Nigeria continues to stir legal and political discourse,” Mefor said in a recent statement.
“Simply wishing for Simon Ekpa’s extradition will not make it happen. The legal framework in Finland is very strong, and Nigerian authorities will face significant challenges,” he added. Mefor pointed out that Ekpa’s Finnish citizenship and Finland’s commitment to human rights would make the extradition a long and difficult process.
Finland, renowned for its human rights protection, is unlikely to hand over Ekpa without certain guarantees, Mefor emphasized. “Finland has very stringent human rights protocols,” he noted. “Nigeria has a terrible record when it comes to human rights abuses, and Finland would need assurances that Ekpa will not be subjected to torture or inhumane treatment if sent to Nigeria.”
The IBN leader underscored that without such guarantees, Finland would not consider extradition. “Without clear assurances, extradition appears unlikely. If it comes to trial, Ekpa will serve his time in Finland, not Nigeria,” Mefor stressed.
The concerns over human rights violations are critical, especially given Nigeria’s reputation in the international community. Mefor’s statement underscores a key issue in this legal battle: Finland’s legal protections for its citizens are robust and would not allow Ekpa to be handed over without safeguards against possible abuse.
However, the controversy surrounding Ekpa is not just about legalities. His actions have been a source of division within the Biafran movement. Mefor expressed disappointment in some of Ekpa’s methods, accusing him of turning the Biafran cause into a violent and criminal enterprise.
“Simon and his group, under the influence of Nnamdi Kanu, have killed innocent Igbo-Biafrans, men and women, during peacetime,” Mefor said, condemning Ekpa’s role in criminal activities linked to the Biafran movement. “This has tainted the struggle for Biafra, casting a shadow over its legitimate cause.”
Despite his criticisms of Ekpa, Mefor was careful to highlight that the broader cause for Biafran independence is far from over. “The larger struggle for self-determination will not be derailed by Ekpa’s actions or even his arrest,” he said confidently. Mefor remains steadfast in his belief that the demand for justice and independence for the people of the Southeast will continue, regardless of the internal divisions.
While Mefor acknowledged the arrest of Ekpa could have an immediate impact on weakening his faction, he stressed that this would not resolve the deeper issues fueling the Biafran movement.
“The immediate benefit for Nigeria would be to demoralize Ekpa’s criminal group and investigate their financial networks,” Mefor suggested. “But this will not address the core issues of injustice and underdevelopment in the Southeast that have long fueled the Biafran cause.”
The call for Biafran self-determination remains a powerful movement, according to Mefor. He is confident that no matter the political or legal challenges faced by figures like Ekpa, the core demand for Biafran independence cannot be erased.
“Nobody can stop the issue or the idea of Biafra,” Mefor asserted. “The demand for self-rule remains alive, fueled by ongoing injustices against the South-East region and the Igbo-Biafran people.”
