By Milcah Tanimu
The Nigerian government has started preparing for the extradition of Simon Ekpa, leader of the Eastern Security Network (ESN), following his arrest in Finland on terrorism-related charges. Ekpa, an ally of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu, is accused of inciting violence and causing disruptions in Nigeria’s South-East region through social media platforms.
In response to Ekpa’s detention, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, confirmed that the Nigerian government is seeking his return to face criminal charges. Gusau expressed the government’s satisfaction with Ekpa’s arrest in Finland, viewing it as a step toward extradition to Nigeria.
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, had previously issued controversial calls, including “sit-at-home” orders and election boycotts, actions that allegedly contributed to disorder and endangered lives. In March 2024, Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters declared Ekpa and others wanted for terrorism offenses. Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa earlier this week, charging him with public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and financing terrorism.
While President Bola Tinubu and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu have not yet commented on the matter, presidential spokesperson Daniel Bwala outlined the diplomatic process for involving the Nigerian government. The Nigerian Embassy in Finland is expected to inform the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will brief the President if necessary.
In addition, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Finland’s Ambassador to discuss Ekpa’s actions and called for international collaboration to curb his separatist influence.
