Simon Ekpa, a key figure in the Biafran separatist movement, has been arrested in Finland on suspicion of terrorism-related offences. The Finnish authorities detained Ekpa, leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), over allegations that he incited violence and terrorism through his online platforms.
The arrest took place in the city of Lahti, where Ekpa lives, following a ruling by the District Court of Päijät-Häme. According to Finnish police, Ekpa is suspected of publicly inciting people to commit crimes with terrorist intent. The charges are linked to his activities on social media, where he allegedly promoted separatist propaganda and violence against Nigerian authorities.
Court’s Decision: A Step Toward Justice
The Finnish court issued an arrest warrant for Ekpa, a Finnish citizen born in 1985, based on probable cause and suspicion of his involvement in terrorist acts. The charges stem from his social media activities in which he allegedly incited violence in Southeast Nigeria, particularly in the Biafran region, during the 2023 Nigerian general elections.
“Ekpa used his social media channels to carry out these activities, inciting violence and terrorism,” said Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen of the National Bureau of Investigation. “His actions are suspected to have contributed to violent conflicts in Nigeria.”
In one notorious video filmed in his Lahti home, Ekpa declared that the 2023 elections would not take place in Biafra and encouraged the region’s residents to participate in his separatist cause. Ekpa also justified violence against Nigerian government forces, stating, “I condone violence against Nigerian government forces. It is a matter of self-defense.”
A Global Call for Accountability
This arrest is part of a broader investigation into separatist activities and the financing of terrorism. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation has also sought the detention of four other individuals linked to Ekpa, who are suspected of financing terrorist offences. Their arrests took place earlier this week, with two of the suspects residing in Helsinki, and one without a registered address.
Police authorities emphasized the importance of international cooperation in the ongoing investigation, which has drawn attention from both Nigerian and Finnish authorities. “We are working closely with Nigerian law enforcement to address the implications of these crimes,” Hiltunen added.
Simon Ekpa’s History of Controversy
This is not the first time Simon Ekpa has come under scrutiny by Finnish authorities. In 2023, he was arrested on suspicion of financial crimes related to his activities. However, he was quickly released without charge later that day. The latest arrest, however, is more serious, as it involves accusations of terrorism and incitement to violence.
Simon Ekpa has been a vocal supporter of the Biafra Republic, calling for an independent state for the Igbo people in Nigeria’s southeastern region. He has gained significant attention online, amassing over 60,000 followers on Twitter, where he frequently broadcasts his views. Ekpa’s position as a representative on the Lahti Region Public Transport Committee, a role he holds within Finland’s National Coalition Party, has sparked debate about his political involvement and affiliations.
Despite his active role in the party, the National Coalition Party has remained tight-lipped about his membership. “We do not disclose membership information,” said Timo Elo, the party’s secretary. However, Elo hinted that the party might reconsider Ekpa’s position if his legal troubles deepen.
An Uncertain Legal Journey Ahead
While Ekpa remains a suspect in the ongoing pre-trial investigation, Finnish authorities have not yet convicted him of any crime. The legal process in Finland is expected to take time, potentially stretching over several years as investigations continue. The court’s decision to keep him in custody signals the seriousness with which the Finnish government is treating his case.
The implications of Ekpa’s arrest extend far beyond Finland’s borders, with concerns about the rise of separatist movements and their potential to cause unrest in other parts of Africa. His actions and the spread of his messages have fueled tension in the southeastern regions of Nigeria, where violence has escalated in recent years.
