Finnish authorities have officially charged Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafran separatist leader, with terrorism-related offenses following his arrest in November 2024.
After spending approximately six months in custody, Ekpa was formally charged on Friday, May 16, with inciting terrorism and involvement in a terrorist organization, according to Finland’s National Prosecution Authority.
The charges relate to events that occurred between 2021 and 2024 in the city of Lahti and include “public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent” and “participation in the activities of a terrorist group.” Although the prosecution authority did not disclose the suspect’s identity, Finnish public broadcaster YLE confirmed it is Simon Ekpa.
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Ekpa, who holds both Finnish and Nigerian citizenship, has denied the accusations and remains in custody as proceedings continue. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti will handle the case, though a court date has yet to be scheduled.
Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) confirmed to Vanguard that the charges were formally filed on Friday, May 16. “The charges were filed today (Friday morning) as planned. The case will proceed in the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti, though a hearing date is still pending. Ekpa is alleged to have committed the offenses between August 2021 and November 2024,” the DSS stated.
Ekpa is widely known as a self-declared leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a movement advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. He also claims leadership of the Biafra Republic government-in-exile and has been accused of using his platform to incite violence in Nigeria.
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Finnish police allege that Simon Ekpa promoted violence and other criminal acts against civilians and government officials through separatist propaganda disseminated from his residence in Lahti. In addition to his activism, Ekpa holds a local government role, serving on Lahti’s public transport committee as a conservative National Coalition Party representative.
At the time of his arrest, authorities also took four other individuals into custody on suspicion of financially supporting Ekpa’s activities. However, they were later released due to insufficient evidence to pursue charges.
Finnish and Nigerian law enforcement agencies continue to collaborate in an ongoing investigation into Ekpa’s alleged involvement in inciting unrest related to the pro-Biafra movement.
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