The Nigerian Senate on Wednesday, 21st April 2021, began the process of extraditing Simon Ekpa back to Nigeria for prosecution. This came after a motion moved by Imo State Senator, Osita Osinazu, and supported by all senators from the South East region of the country. The motion condemned the actions of Mr Ekpa and his sit-at-home campaign, which Senator Osinazu said was “ruining the minds of young people in the South East”.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, urged the federal government to engage Finnish authorities with the aim of extraditing Mr Ekpa for prosecution. He also asked that the Minister of Foreign Affairs (when appointed) and other relevant stakeholders be invited to carry out a thorough investigation and to bring other sponsors of the act to book.
The Senate strongly condemned Mr Ekpa and his sit-at-home campaign as well as all forms of violence, and urged the federal government to take urgent steps to bring him to justice. The motion was adopted by all present senators and the Senate President directed that the federal government should immediately begin the process of extraditing Mr Ekpa to Nigeria.
The Senate’s decision to begin the extradition process is seen as a major step in the fight against violent and illegal activities in the country. It is also a clear demonstration of the Senate’s commitment to ensuring justice for all Nigerians, regardless of where they are located.
The Senate’s decision has been widely welcomed by Nigerians, with many hailing it as a major victory in the fight against crime and injustice.
