The Finland-based Nigerian is the leader of the Autopilot separatist group, whose armed wing – Biafra Liberation Army (BLA) has allegedly been linked to killings and violent Sit-at-home in the South-East. He had declared himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile,
In November 2024, Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. The Finnish district court in Lahti had ordered the remand of Ekpa on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa (CDS), disclosed last year that the Government of Finland had been notified of the requirements for Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria.
Speaking when he featured on Channels Television‘s 2024 Year-In-Review programme on December 31, 2024, the defence chief said, “The Federal Government has actually forwarded most of the requirements to the Finnish Government. So, I’m sure the right thing will be done.”
Following the court’s ruling on April 18, 2025, Ekpa’s extradition is scheduled for July 15, 2025.
