Finnish authorities have formally charged Biafran separatist leader Simon Ekpa with terrorism-related offenses following his arrest in November 2024. After being held in custody for approximately six months, 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 span 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.” While the prosecution authority did not publicly name the suspect, Finnish public broadcaster YLE confirmed that the individual in question is Simon Ekpa.
Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen, has denied the allegations. He remains in custody as the legal process continues. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti will preside over the case, though a hearing date has not yet been announced.
The Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja confirmed to Vanguard that the charges were formally filed on Friday, 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 seeking 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 encourage violence in Nigeria.
Finnish police allege that Ekpa incited violence and other crimes against civilians and government officials through separatist propaganda spread from his home in Lahti. He also holds a local position in Finland, serving on a public transport committee in Lahti as a representative of the conservative National Coalition Party.
At the time of his initial arrest, Finnish authorities also detained four other individuals suspected of financially supporting Ekpa’s activities. However, they were later released due to a lack of sufficient evidence to bring charges.
Finnish and Nigerian law enforcement agencies are continuing their joint investigation into Ekpa’s alleged role in inciting unrest linked to the pro-Biafra movement.
