Legal practitioner Fred Nzeakor has expressed skepticism about Nigeria’s ability to extradite Simon Ekpa, a controversial pro-Biafra agitator based in Finland. Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief from 4:00, Nzeakor highlighted the complex legal and diplomatic challenges involved, questioning whether Finland would comply with such a request under current circumstances.
“The government have not done the one they’re in firm control over, and they’re dreaming of bringing Simon Ekpa,” Nzeakor remarked, criticizing the Nigerian government’s priorities. While acknowledging that many believe Ekpa’s trial could bring peace to the southeastern region, he doubted the feasibility of achieving this goal.
Nzeakor pointed to Ekpa’s unique status as a Finnish citizen who has renounced his Nigerian citizenship and served in the Finnish army. “Simon Ekpa, as we know today, has denounced his citizenship of Nigeria and he’s now a Finnish citizen. He can be referred to as a veteran because he served in the Finnish army,” he explained.
He also underscored Europe’s strong commitment to self-determination and human rights, suggesting that Finland would be reluctant to extradite one of its citizens without compelling justification. “Do you think Finland will send Simon Ekpa, who is their citizen, to be tried in Nigeria when he’s not a citizen here, without very strong and cogent reasons?” Nzeakor asked. He further noted Finland’s likely awareness of the controversial detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. “When they know that Nnamdi Kanu, who’s a citizen of Nigeria, is being unlawfully detained, do you think they’ll sacrifice their citizen?”
Nzeakor concluded that the recent excitement surrounding Ekpa’s reported arrest in Finland was premature. “That’s why the euphoria is short-lived, and it’ll lead to nowhere,” he stated, emphasizing the need for the Nigerian government to focus on resolving internal governance and addressing the grievances fueling unrest in the southeast.