Mr. Simon Ekpa will suffer a terrible fate if eventually he is extradited to Nigeria to face terrorism charges, a ranking officer of the Indigenous People of Biafra ( IPOB), told News Band Newspaper.
News Band reported on Tuesday night that the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile will be extradited to Nigeria following a Finnish court ruling on April 18, 2025.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti approved Nigeria’s request, with the transfer set for July 15.
Ekpa, who has been terrorizing the South-East, is accused of inciting unrest in the region from abroad through his violent separatist campaigns.
Though frequently linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), IPOB has consistently denied him, arguing that it has no factions and maintains a strict non-violent disposition.
Instead, Ekpa leads a splinter group known as “Autopilot,” connected to a criminal gang group called the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA).
This rogue group has been blamed for violent “sit-at-home” enforcements, kidnappings, and targeted killings in the region.
“Ekpa operates independently. Linking him to IPOB is misleading and dangerous,” said an IPOB spokesman, Emma Powerful.
“His actions are not part of our struggle.”
Arrested in Finland in November 2024 after months of surveillance, Ekpa faces charges including incitement, terrorism, and conspiracy.
Authorities said his broadcasts from abroad instigated attacks on civilians and security operatives.
Meanwhile, the top ranking IPOB officer who doesn’t want to be quoted, told News Band that Ekpa will suffer a terrible fate in Nigeria for sabotaging several efforts made by the Igbo leaders of thought for Nnamdi Kanu release.
“Simon Ekpa will send his boys to kill people and come on air to say he is a disciple of Nnamdi Kanu. His actions ruined several efforts by Igbo leaders to negotiate for Nnamdi Kanu release.
“He disobeyed and insulted IPOB Directorate Of State (DOS) when an official announcement was made cancelling the sit-at-home.
“Kanu was the person who gave the directive but this rabble rouser (Ekpa) disregarded it. I’m sure when extradited, he will suffer a terrible fate and also taste the bitter pill he served Kanu through his ominous actions”, the ranking officer said.
However, the Biafra Government In Exile which is currently under the command of United States based fugitive, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze after the arrest of Ekpa by the Finnish authorities, is yet to either confirm or refute the report of their principal’s extradition.
Also, she is yet to respond to the inquiry sent to her by this paper in respect to this latest development.
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