Biafra aide accuses Finland of aiding Nigeria to suppress self-determination

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By Our Correspondent

The Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of the United States of Biafra (USB), Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, has strongly condemned the investigation of Mr. Simon Ekpa by the Finish government.

In a recent statement Dr. Orabueze accused Finland of undermining the right to self-determination as she characterized the probe as “transnational repression” and claimed it was motivated by economic interests tied to Nigeria.

Finland’s Central Criminal Police has in the last six months been investigating Ekpa, citing suspicions of “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent” and involvement in a terrorist group.

The case is being handled in coordination with Nigerian authorities, raising eyebrows among international observers due to Nigeria’s unimpressive human rights record.

“Finland risks aligning itself with a government that has faced widespread criticism for religious persecution and systemic rights abuses,” Orabueze said, referencing reports of crackdowns on Christians and political activists in Nigeria.

The Finnish authorities have not responded publicly to the USB’s claims, but say their investigation is based on domestic law and international obligations regarding terrorism. Chief investigator Otto Hiltunen confirmed Finnish and Nigerian agencies are working closely on the case.

Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish dual citizen, has become a central figure in the revived push for Biafran independence. His frequent online broadcasts call for civil disobedience and “sit-at-home” orders in Nigeria’s southeast — actions that Nigerian authorities say have incited violence and unrest. Critics, however, argue he represents a legitimate voice for a disenfranchised population.

While Ekpa has not been formally charged, the USB claims no officials from their exiled government have been contacted for dialogue. Orabueze also alleges that Finnish banks have frozen accounts linked to Biafran supporters based on unverified intelligence from Nigerian agencies.

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“This investigation lacks transparency,” she said. “No evidence has been shared, no due process extended, and no effort made to understand our cause.”

The situation reflects a broader tension between national security imperatives and the rights of stateless nations and exiled activists. It also raises questions about how countries like Finland navigate diplomatic relationships with governments accused of internal repression, while upholding their own democratic standards.

As the investigation continues, Biafran leaders are urging international human rights organizations to scrutinize Finland’s role — and to press for the release of both Simon Ekpa and long-detained separatist leader Nnamdi Kanu in Nigeria.

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