Finnish Court Orders Simon Ekpa’s Imprisonment Over Terrorism-Linked Incitement in Nigeria

Abuja, Nigeria – A district court in Lahti, Finland, has ordered the imprisonment of Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria. The court alleges that the offences date back to August 23, 2021.

Ekpa, Finnish-born Nigeria, who has been a vocal advocate for Biafra’s independence, is accused of using social media platforms to promote separatist propaganda.

According to SaharaReporters, Finnish authorities claim his activities have incited violence against civilians and law enforcement in southeastern Nigeria, a region affected by IPOB’s agitation for secession.

Crime commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police stated, “The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria. The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

The court’s ruling also involves four other suspects accused of financing terrorism. These individuals, born in the 1960s and 1970s and of foreign descent, are alleged to have committed the crimes in August 2022, also in Lahti.

Investigations revealed that five suspects were arrested during the initial phase of the probe. The Finnish authorities emphasised the role of international cooperation in the process, which has been ongoing for months.

Simon Ekpa has faced prior investigations in Finland. Authorities previously linked him to alleged financial crimes, including the unlawful collection of funds through questionable means. In February 2023, Ekpa was arrested in a private apartment in Lahti.

However, he was released the same evening after questioning. At the time, police reported receiving numerous complaints about his social media activities, prompting an inquiry into whether they were connected to other criminal activities.

Ekpa is a known figure in Finland, where he is affiliated with the National Coalition Party. He has served as a deputy councilor and represented the Lahti region on its public transport board.

From his residence in Lahti, Ekpa has continued to use social media to advocate for IPOB’s goals. He has called for election boycotts in Nigeria and urged his followers to support the group’s secessionist agenda.

The court’s decision adds a significant chapter to the ongoing scrutiny of IPOB’s international networks and activities. Finnish authorities have stated that the investigation will continue, with more findings expected as the case develops.