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Finnish authorities have formally charged Simon Ekpa, a Biafran separatist leader, with terrorism-related offenses following his arrest in November 2024. After approximately six months in custody, Ekpa was charged on Friday, May 16, with inciting terrorism and participating in terrorist group activities, according to Finland’s National Prosecution Authority.
The charges relate to incidents occurring between 2021 and 2024 in the city of Lahti and include “public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent” and involvement in a terrorist organization. While the prosecution did not initially name the suspect, Finnish public broadcaster YLE confirmed that the accused is Simon Ekpa.
Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen, denies the allegations. He remains in custody as legal proceedings continue. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti will oversee the case, though no hearing date has been announced.
The Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja confirmed to Vanguard that the charges were formally filed on May 16. “The charges were filed today as scheduled. The case will be heard in Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti, but a hearing date has not yet been set. Ekpa is suspected of crimes committed between August 2021 and November 2024,” the DSS stated.
Ekpa has gained prominence as a self-proclaimed leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), an organization advocating for the secession of Nigeria’s southeastern region. He also claims to lead the Biafra Republic government in exile and has been accused of using his platform to incite violence in Nigeria.
Finnish police allege that Ekpa incited violence and other crimes against civilians and government officials through separatist propaganda broadcast from his home in Lahti. He also holds a local position in Finland, serving on Lahti’s public transport committee as a representative of the conservative National Coalition Party.
At the time of Ekpa’s arrest, Finnish authorities also detained four other individuals suspected of financially supporting his activities. They were later released due to insufficient evidence to press charges.
Finnish and Nigerian law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate on the investigation into Ekpa’s alleged role in inciting unrest linked to the pro-Biafra movement.
