Finland Intervenes in Ekpa's Pro-Biafra Campaign

Finland responds to Nigeria's concerns over Pro-Biafra activist...

Finland's government takes action on Nigeria's complaint against Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen accused of orchestrating violent pro-Biafra activities in Nigeria's South-East region, with Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs Elina Valtonen confirming the case is under review by the Finnish judicial system.

The Finnish government announced on Tuesday, August 13, that it has initiated action on the Nigerian government's complaint regarding Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland. Ekpa is accused of orchestrating violent pro-Biafra secessionist activities in Nigeria's South-East region.

Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, confirmed in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, that Ekpa's case is currently undergoing review by the Finnish judicial system. This development marks a significant step in addressing Nigeria's concerns about Ekpa's alleged activities.

“We have taken this up and discussed this with the Nigerian authorities... and the entire process is within our judicial system,” Valtomen said.

The matter was discussed during a meeting between Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, and Nigerian government officials on Tuesday, August 13, highlighting the diplomatic efforts to address Nigeria's concerns about Simon Ekpa's activities.

The discussion about Simon Ekpa's activities took place during a meeting between Finnish Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, and Nigerian government officials on Tuesday, August 13.

Nigeria has long pressed Finland and the European Union to take decisive action against Ekpa's inflammatory social media rhetoric, which has fueled violence and instability in the South-East region. Valtonen's visit, along with her Nordic counterparts, aimed to address this pressing issue.

Valtonen and her Nordic colleagues arrived in Nigeria on Monday, August 12, for talks focused on promoting peace, security, and economic cooperation, including ways to enhance trade and investment ties between their countries and Nigeria.

The Nordic delegation, comprising foreign ministers and high-ranking officials from Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark, arrived in Nigeria for a series of talks. The team includes Tobias Billström (Sweden), Thórdís Kolbrún Reykfjörd Gylfadóttir (Iceland), Bjørg Sandkjær (Norway), and Eva Marie Frida Barløse (Denmark).

On Tuesday, the Nordic ministers held meetings with Nigerian government officials and representatives from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). During these discussions, they covered a range of topics, including security, economic cooperation, education, trade and investment, and the rule of law, highlighting the diverse areas of mutual interest between the Nordic countries and Nigeria.

Simon Ekpa, self-proclaimed “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government in-Exile, has claimed responsibility for orchestrating attacks on Nigerian security personnel and perceived supporters of the Nigerian government. He justifies these actions as retribution for alleged human rights abuses by Nigerian security forces in the South-East region.

From his base in Finland, Ekpa actively promotes extremist views, advocating for the secession of Nigeria's South-East region and parts of neighboring states to form an independent Biafra nation. His rhetoric echoes the separatist sentiments that sparked Nigeria's devastating Civil War (1967-1970), raising concerns about the potential for renewed conflict.

Since his re-arrest in Kenya in June 2021, Ekpa has been held in custody, facing charges of treasonable felony at the Federal High Court in Abuja for his involvement in separatist activities. The Nigerian government has criticized Finland and the European Union for allegedly shielding Ekpa, enabling him to continue fueling instability in the South-East region.

On Tuesday, Finnish Minister Elina Valtomen reaffirmed that Finland's handling of Ekpa's case will be guided by the principle of the rule of law. She emphasized that Finland strictly adheres to this principle, clarifying that the matter is a legal issue, not a political one, and will be solely resolved by Finnish courts.

“It is a question to the judicial system, and both our judicial systems collaborate on this matter, and we hope that we will be able to close it soon.” She said.

The Nordic ministers underscored their nations' dedication to deepening relationships with Nigeria and the broader West African region. They expressed enthusiasm for exploring opportunities to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen partnerships.

Following their meetings in Nigeria, the Nordic ministers will proceed to Accra, Ghana, where they will continue to foster investment and trade collaborations, further solidifying their commitment to regional engagement and cooperation.