Factional leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Njoku Ekpa, appeared before a Finnish court on charges related to inciting terrorism through separatist propaganda targeting Nigeria.
According to the 9am News report, the charges were brought by Finland’s National Prosecution Authority, which did not name Ekpa explicitly. However, Finnish national broadcaster YLE identified him as the individual at the center of the case.
Ekpa, who holds Finnish citizenship and refers to himself as the prime minister of the Biafra government in exile, is accused of using online platforms to incite violence, encourage illegal activities, and promote terrorism in Nigeria’s South-East region between 2021 and 2024.
Finnish Prosecutors Outline Charges
The Finnish authorities stated the suspect had participated in public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and activities linked to a terrorist group. These alleged offenses were committed in the city of Lahti, where Ekpa resides.
He has denied the charges and remains in custody pending trial.
Ekpa was arrested in November 2024, along with four others, though charges against the other individuals were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Following Ekpa’s arrest, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that the Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled for his detention on probable cause. The ministry added that Ekpa’s social media activities had been linked to violent attacks and instability in Nigeria’s South-East.
“The arrest of Simon Njoku Ekpa follows sustained diplomatic pressure by the Nigerian government on Finland,” the ministry stated, emphasizing that his content incited violence and disrupted peace.
Tinubu Commends Finland’s Action
Earlier this year, President Bola Tinubu commended Finland for responding to Nigeria’s request by detaining Ekpa. While receiving Finnish Ambassador Ms. Sanna Selin at the State House, the President emphasized the need for national unity.
“Nigeria is indivisible,” Tinubu said. “We must not promote terrorism. Our watchword is stability and cohesion to move the country forward.”
The President noted that while activism is part of democracy, divisiveness and violent agitation would not be tolerated.
Ekpa’s legal troubles come as the main IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu, continues to face treason charges in Nigeria’s Federal High Court in Abuja. IPOB has long advocated for the secession of Biafra, a movement that the Nigerian government has designated as a terrorist group.
The case against Simon Ekpa in Finland could mark a turning point in international efforts to clamp down on diaspora-led separatist movements deemed violent or extremist.
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