National
Who Is Simon Ekpa? Key Details About His Life
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja announced on Thursday that plans are underway to extradite Simon Ekpa, the self-declared “prime minister” of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to face charges in Nigeria.
This was revealed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, who stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, welcomed Ekpa’s recent arrest in Finland.
Ekpa was detained by a district court in Lahti, Finland, on suspicion of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Authorities allege he has used social media to promote separatist propaganda tied to IPOB, an organization pushing for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. These activities reportedly began in August 2021.
The Nigerian Defence Headquarters in Abuja announced on Thursday that plans are underway to extradite Simon Ekpa, the self-declared “prime minister” of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to face charges in Nigeria.
This was revealed by Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, who stated that the Chief of Defence Staff, General Chris Musa, welcomed Ekpa’s recent arrest in Finland.
Ekpa was detained by a district court in Lahti, Finland, on suspicion of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent in Nigeria. Authorities allege he has used social media to promote separatist propaganda tied to IPOB, an organization pushing for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. These activities reportedly began in August 2021.
Here are ten key facts about Simon Ekpa:
Early Life and Background
Simon Ekpa was born on March 21, 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, located in southeastern Nigeria.
Athletic Achievements
He won a silver medal in the 100-meter race at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon.
Departure from Athletics
Ekpa quit athletics due to a knee injury that hindered his career in sports.
Renouncing Nigeria
In September 2021, Ekpa denounced Nigeria, vowed to return the medal he won in 2003, and renounced his Nigerian citizenship the following year.
Returning the Medal
By July 2024, Ekpa claimed he had returned the medal to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Leadership in Finland
He served as Chairman of the Igbo Union Finland from 2015 to 2019 and chaired the Playground Board in Lahti from 2017 to 2021.
Life in Finland
Ekpa has lived in Lahti, Finland, with his family since 2007. He became a Finnish citizen, learned the language, and completed military service in the Finnish Army’s Häme Regiment in Hennala in 2013. He is also a reservist.
Political Career in Finland
Ekpa became active in Finnish politics in 2012. He ran as a candidate in the 2017 Finnish municipal elections and the 2022 Finnish county elections under the National Coalition Party of Finland.
Claims of Legal Expertise
Ekpa has described himself as a legal expert and advisor, claiming to hold a Master of Laws (LLM) degree from Aberystwyth University in Wales. However, the university has not confirmed this qualification.
Lack of Verified Legal Credentials
Despite his claims, there is no evidence of Ekpa holding any recognized lower or higher legal degree.
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