Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has been formally charged with terrorism-related offenses in Finland. The charges follow his arrest in November 2024 and were officially filed on Friday, May 16, according to Finland’s National Prosecution Authority.
Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, faces accusations of inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of a terrorist organization. The alleged offenses occurred between 2021 and 2024 in the city of Lahti and include “public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.” While the prosecution did not publicly identify Ekpa, Finnish public broadcaster YLE confirmed his identity.
Ekpa has denied all allegations and remains in custody as the case proceeds. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti will oversee the trial, although a date for the first hearing has not yet been set.
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja confirmed the charges were filed as scheduled on May 16, noting that the offenses span from August 2021 to November 2024.
Ekpa is widely known for his leadership of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for the secession of Nigeria’s southeastern region. He also claims to head the self-declared Biafra Republic government in exile. Authorities have accused him of using his platform to promote violence in Nigeria.
According to Finnish police, Ekpa allegedly disseminated separatist propaganda from his home in Lahti, inciting violence against civilians and government officials. In addition to his activism, he holds a position on Lahti’s public transport committee, representing the conservative National Coalition Party.
At the time of his arrest, four other individuals were also detained on suspicion of financing his activities. They were later released due to insufficient evidence.
Finnish and Nigerian authorities continue to collaborate on the investigation into Ekpa’s alleged role in promoting unrest linked to the pro-Biafra movement.