Legal team representing Simon Ekpa denies confirmation of Nigeria extradition, citing pending court proceedings.
Speaking with BBC Pidgin, Gummerus emphasized that the case remains active in Finland and has not reached the extradition stage.
“I do not have any information that Simon Ekpa will be extradited to Nigeria. The case is still pending,” he said.
Unverified Reports Suggest Diplomatic Decision Over Extradition of Simon Ekpa
Several outlets have circulated reports stating that Ekpa’s extradition has been scheduled for July 15, 2025. These claims attribute the decision to prolonged diplomatic discussions between Finnish and Nigerian officials. However, no official statement has been issued by either government to support the claim.
According to Gummerus, his client’s pre-trial documents were only recently handed over, and preparations are ongoing for a court appearance scheduled for June 2025. He added that the legal process is still in its preliminary phase.
Charges Against Ekpa Linked to Violence in Southeastern Nigeria
Finnish police allege that Ekpa used social media to encourage disruptive actions in Nigeria’s southeast, a region historically tied to the Biafra independence movement. He was detained alongside four others, who were also accused of funding activities linked to civil unrest.
Ekpa has previously been linked to the enforcement of “sit-at-home” directives that led to economic disruption and violence across several states in Nigeria’s southeastern region. Nigerian officials allege that he coordinated attacks targeting security personnel and public infrastructure.
Broader Implications Remain Under Review
Ekpa’s arrest continues to draw attention from stakeholders in both Nigeria and Finland. While IPOB has condemned the potential extradition, stating it could impact the legal case of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, Finnish officials have yet to provide public updates regarding the case’s international dimensions.
Human rights observers and legal analysts are monitoring the situation closely, particularly regarding the extradition process and trial conditions.
