Nigeria Govt Efforts To Extradite Simon Ekpa From Finland Hits Brick Wall

Ekpa, who refers to himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRIGE), was arrested alongside four others by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) for alleged terrorism-related activities

Finnish authorities suspect that Ekpa has contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria. Despite Ekpa’s arrest, Finland has stated that its laws prevent the extradition of Finnish nationals to non-European Union or non-Nordic countries. This legal barrier complicates Nigeria’s request, as there is no extradition treaty between the two nations. Reacting to the arrest, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, expressed the country’s determination to pursue Ekpa’s extradition.

However, Finnish legal frameworks, which prioritize individual rights and freedom of speech, present significant challenges. Legal experts in Nigeria have emphasized the importance of an extradition treaty in such cases. Festus Ogun, a Lagos-based lawyer, explained: “If there is no extradition treaty between the two countries, there can be no legal basis or justification for extraditing Ekpa.” Similarly, Vince Onyekwelu, a former British police officer and national security strategist, commented on the slim chances of success for the Nigerian government’s efforts. Speaking on Arise TV, Onyekwelu noted: “The Finnish authorities have every right to arrest Simon Ekpa. However, with the absence of an extradition treaty between Nigeria and Finland, Ekpa’s extradition will seem unlikely.”

Reports indicate that both countries are in contact, but the Finnish legal system insists that all actions must adhere to its stringent legislative safeguards. As the situation unfolds, Nigeria faces the challenge of addressing its concerns about Ekpa’s activities within the framework of international law. This development underscores the complexities of international legal cooperation, particularly when differing legal systems and a lack of treaties come into play.