The Finnish government has reassured Nigeria that the legal proceedings involving Simon Ekpa will be concluded soon.
Finland’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elina Valtonen, disclosed this after a meeting with Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and the foreign ministers of Sweden, Iceland, and representatives from Norway and Denmark in Abuja.
Addressing journalists, Valtonen emphasized that Ekpa’s case is being handled by Finland’s judicial system, which operates strictly under the rule of law.
Ekpa, who resides in Finland, has been linked to the ongoing violence in Nigeria’s South-East and is alleged to be connected to the activities of the so-called “unknown gunmen.” His involvement in these violent acts has led some Nigerians to call for his repatriation to face prosecution in Nigeria.
Ambassador Tuggar confirmed that Simon Ekpa’s case was a key issue during his discussions with Valtonen and the Nordic representatives, stating, “It was a priority. There is no way Nigeria would engage with Finland without raising the issue of Simon Ekpa vociferously.”
Valtonen reaffirmed Finland’s commitment to working with Nigeria to address the matter. She clarified that both judicial systems are collaborating closely, underscoring that the case is judicial, not political. Both governments are dedicated to upholding the law as the legal process moves forward.
