Finnish authorities have officially charged Biafran separatist leader Simon Ekpa with terrorism-related offenses following his arrest in November 2024. After six months in custody, Ekpa was charged on Friday, May 16, with inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of a terrorist group, according to Finland’s National Prosecution Authority.
The charges, which relate to incidents from 2021 to 2024 in the city of Lahti, include “public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and participation in the activities of a terrorist group.” Although the prosecution authority did not explicitly name Ekpa, Finnish public broadcaster YLE confirmed that he is the individual facing these charges.
Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen, has denied the allegations and remains in custody as the legal proceedings continue. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti will handle the case, although a hearing date has yet to be scheduled.
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 (Friday morning) as scheduled. The case will be heard in Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti. A hearing date has not yet been set. Ekpa is suspected of committing the crimes between August 2021 and November 2024,” the DSS stated.
Ekpa has gained notoriety 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 head the Biafra Republic’s government in exile and has been accused by authorities of using his platform to incite violence in Nigeria.
Finnish police allege that Ekpa used his position to promote separatist propaganda and incite violence against civilians and government officials. He also serves on a local public transport committee in Lahti as a representative of the conservative National Coalition Party.
During his initial arrest, Finnish authorities detained four other individuals suspected of financially supporting Ekpa’s activities. However, they were later released due to insufficient evidence to bring 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.
