The recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra agitator, in Finland has sparked debates about the possibility of his extradition to Nigeria. According to Vince Onyekwelu, a former British police officer and national security risk strategist, the process is legally feasible but highly complicated. In an interview with Arise News from 7:09, Onyekwelu stated that while extradition is “almost impossible, though not 100% impossible,” several legal and procedural hurdles must be addressed before such an outcome can be realized.
One of the primary challenges lies in the absence of an extradition treaty between Finland and Nigeria. This means that Finnish authorities have jurisdiction over Ekpa’s case and the right to prosecute him for any charges brought against him. Onyekwelu emphasized that this step is essential to ensure due diligence within Finland’s legal framework. Furthermore, the Criminal Justice of the European Union (CJEU) would need to evaluate the case before approving any potential extradition, adding another layer of complexity.
The European legal system would assess two critical factors: the charges against Ekpa and his fundamental rights as an individual. Onyekwelu explained that Ekpa must answer accusations, such as inciting violence and advocating for self-determination for Biafra, within a court of law. Beyond the specifics of the charges, the CJEU would also examine whether extraditing him to Nigeria aligns with European principles of human rights and justice.
Human rights concerns could significantly influence the decision. Nigeria’s human rights record, particularly regarding its treatment of political detainees and activists, is expected to be scrutinized. Onyekwelu highlighted this point, saying, “The Chief of Defence Staff should go home, relax, and sleep because they [Finnish authorities and the CJEU] have to consider the human rights records in Nigeria as a country.”
WHAT HE SAID
“Professionally speaking, the chances are possible to extradite Simon Ekpa to Nigeria. However, in my opinion, it’s almost impossible though not 100% impossible because one, there’s no extradition treaty between Finland and Nigeria. Number two, the Finnish authority have every right to take him to court, to answer to the charges against him and that is perfect, that’s due diligence and afterwards, the CJEU.”
“The Criminal Justice of the European Union, also have a right under the European Human Rights to also test if he’s suitable to be extradited to Nigeria based on one, the charges against him and Number two, the fundamentals, because he has to defend himself in a Court of Law. You cannot just bring charges without him answering in response to the reasons why he’s inviting violence, to the fundamental why he thinks there’s a reason for him to request for self determination for the People of Biafra.
“The Criminal Court of Justice of the European Union have to check if they believe in Self Determination, if they believe in Human Rights Abuses because bringing that man to Nigeria is a great idea but the Chief of Defence Staff should go home, relax and sleep because they have to consider the Human Rights records in Nigeria as a Country.”