Nigeria: Simon Ekpa Arraigned On Terrorism Charges in Finland

Finnish-Nigerian, Simon Ekpa, is facing terrorism-related charges in Finland, over alleged incitement of violence linked to the Biafra Separatist movement. The National Prosecution Authority of Finland confirmed on Friday that Ekpa, who claims to be the Prime Minister of the self-styled “Biafra Republic Government in Exile,” has been formally charged with public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and participation in a terrorist group.

The charges stem from his online activities between 2021 and 2024, which prosecutors allege encouraged violent acts in Nigeria under the guise of pro-Biafra advocacy. Though the official statement from the authority did not name the suspect, Finnish public broadcaster YLE identified him as Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland. Ekpa has denied all charges and has been held in custody since his arrest in November 2024.

Authorities say the alleged offences were committed in Lahti, a southern Finnish city where Ekpa resides and was previously involved in local politics. He had been active in the National Coalition Party and served on a municipal transport committee.

The indictment intensifies growing scrutiny of Ekpa’s controversial role in the ongoing separatist tensions in southeastern Nigeria, where the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group Ekpa is associated with, has been labelled a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government since 2017.

Ekpa is accused of leveraging his digital platforms to propagate violent directives, which Nigerian officials blame for a series of attacks and civil disruptions in the region.

The Nigerian government had stated it would cooperate with Finnish authorities to secure Ekpa’s extradition, citing national security concerns. While extradition procedures are typically complex and guided by international law and bilateral agreements, there are suggestions that the terrorism charges in Finland could either accelerate or complicate the process, depending on the outcome of the ongoing trial.

Meanwhile, Finnish police had detained four individuals suspected of financially supporting Ekpa’s activities, but the Prosecution Authority announced on Friday that charges against them were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

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