By Adenike Lawal
Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, is facing serious criminal charges in Finland for allegedly inciting terrorism linked to his pro-Biafra agitation.
Finland’s National Prosecution Authority confirmed that a Finnish national has been charged with publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent and allegedly participating in a terrorist organization.
Though unnamed in the official statement, multiple reports from YLE, Finland’s public broadcaster, and Nigerian sources identify the suspect as Ekpa.
The charges cover a period from 2021 to 2024 and focus on activities traced to the city of Lahti.
Authorities allege Ekpa used digital platforms to encourage unrest in Nigeria’s southeast under the banner of Biafra independence.
Ekpa, who styles himself as leader of the so-called Biafra Republic Government in Exile, is linked to a faction of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra.
Nigerian authorities accuse him of fueling violence through broadcasts that have incited attacks on civilians and public institutions.
Though Ekpa was detained in November 2024 and remains in custody, he denies all allegations.
Four others earlier suspected of funding terrorism were released due to insufficient evidence.
This case highlights the growing challenge of policing cross-border extremism driven by online influence and diaspora activism.
