Nigerian-Born Biafra Separatist Leader Simon Ekpa Charged With Terrorism-Related Offences in Finland

 

A serious development has unfolded in Finland involving a controversial figure many Nigerians have come to know — Simon Ekpa, a man who has gained international attention for his hardline activism in support of Biafra independence. Finnish prosecutors have officially charged him with inciting terrorism online, a move that could have far-reaching consequences both in Europe and back home in Nigeria.

The charges were confirmed in a statement released on Friday by Finland’s National Prosecution Authority, which did not name the accused publicly. However, local Finnish media, including the respected public broadcaster YLE, identified the suspect as none other than Simon Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen and self-proclaimed leader of a movement seeking to break away a part of Nigeria to form an independent nation called Biafra.

According to Finnish authorities, the man has been charged with "public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent" and "participation in the activities of a terrorist group." The alleged crimes reportedly took place in Lahti, a city in southern Finland, between the years 2021 and 2024.

Although the Prosecution Authority avoided naming him directly, YLE confirmed that it is indeed Simon Ekpa who is facing these terrorism-related charges. This confirmation aligns with his known activities over the past few years, which have made him a controversial figure within Nigerian and diaspora communities.

Ekpa is widely known for his association with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group that has long called for the independence of Nigeria’s southeastern region. IPOB has been banned by the Nigerian government, which classifies it as a terrorist organization, though many of its supporters insist they are freedom fighters.

Ekpa has consistently described himself as the leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, a title he uses to push forward his agenda of creating a sovereign Biafra nation outside the Nigerian federation. His activities online have included video broadcasts and social media posts that call for sit-at-home protests, civil disobedience, and other controversial actions aimed at pushing the independence cause.

As stated by the Finnish Prosecution Authority:

"[He] was charged with public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and for participation in the activities of a terrorist group."

Ekpa was first detained by Finnish police in November 2024 and has remained in custody ever since. He has denied all the charges, according to officials.

Interestingly, Ekpa is not just known for his activities related to Biafra. He has also served as a local politician in Finland, representing the National Coalition Party, a conservative political group. In Lahti, he held a seat on the city’s public transport committee, showing a dual life between mainstream European politics and a highly controversial secessionist campaign.

When he was arrested last year, Finnish authorities also requested that four other individuals be detained for allegedly financing his activities. However, in a new update provided on Friday, prosecutors said that charges against those four individuals have been dropped because there wasn’t enough evidence to move forward.

This development marks a significant moment not just in Finland, but also in Nigeria, where Ekpa’s actions have often stirred division. Over the past few years, he has made headlines for issuing directives — including sit-at-home orders — that have disrupted normal life in parts of southeastern Nigeria. His speeches and online presence have also been the subject of multiple fact-checking investigations, particularly by Agence France-Presse (AFP), which flagged him for spreading false information as part of his Biafra independence campaign.

While Ekpa continues to maintain his innocence, the charges against him are extremely serious. If convicted, he could face harsh penalties under Finnish and international law. For now, he remains in custody in Finland, awaiting the next stage of the legal process.

This is a developing story, and NaijaRush will continue to monitor it closely. Stay with us as we bring you the latest updates on this major international case involving a key figure in the ongoing Biafra struggle.