Simon Ekpa Faces Terrorism Charges In Finland

Finnish authorities have filed terrorism-related charges against Simon Ekpa, a controversial Nigerian-Finnish separatist and self-styled leader of a faction advocating for the independence of Nigeria’s South-East region, Biafra.

In a statement released Friday, Finland’s National Prosecution Authority announced that a dual citizen—confirmed by Finnish national broadcaster YLE to be Ekpa—is facing serious charges, including public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and participating in the activities of a terrorist group.

The alleged offences were said to have occurred between 2021 and 2024 in Lahti, Finland, where Ekpa resides.

Ekpa, a vocal figure in the revived Biafran movement, has repeatedly claimed leadership of a faction within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group proscribed and labelled as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government.

Authorities say Ekpa’s online rhetoric contributed to violence and unrest in Nigeria’s South-East, where several attacks on civilians, security personnel, and government institutions have been reported over the past three years. The prosecution also noted that his content incited criminal acts that may have influenced violent outcomes.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation had earlier detained five individuals during a wide-ranging probe into the case. While four were suspected of financially supporting terrorist activity linked to Ekpa, prosecutors have now confirmed that there is insufficient evidence to charge them.

Ekpa himself, who was first taken into custody in November 2024, remains detained as the case proceeds. He has denied all allegations against him.

Aside from his separatist activities, Ekpa has had a presence in Finnish politics, having served on the local public transport committee in Lahti under the conservative National Coalition Party.
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