By Milcah Tanimu
The Finnish Government has confirmed it is actively addressing the case of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran activist tied to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in Nigeria’s South-East. Finland’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, disclosed this in Abuja during a press conference alongside her Nordic counterparts.
Ekpa, who has been advocating sit-at-home directives in the South-East, became a subject of legal action after the Nigerian government reported his activities to Finnish authorities. His case is currently before Finnish courts.
In February 2023, Ekpa was arrested in Finland, where he resides, just before Nigeria’s presidential and national assembly elections. He had threatened to disrupt the elections in the South-East. Although he was later released, Ekpa continues to voice his pro-Biafran sentiments on social media.
Valtonen’s visit, along with ministers from Sweden, Iceland, Norway, and Denmark, is part of efforts to enhance trade relations with Nigeria. The Nordic delegation also stressed their focus on combating violent extremism in West Africa and supporting sustainable development goals.
The ministers are set to continue their diplomatic mission in Ghana, further solidifying ties on the African continent.