Finnish prosecutors have charged Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian separatist figure, with inciting terrorism online. According to Finland’s National Prosecution Authority, the charges include public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and involvement in a terrorist group.
The alleged offenses took place in Lahti between 2021 and 2024 and are linked to Ekpa’s push for an independent Biafra state in the south east region of Nigeria. Although the statement did not name the individual, Finnish broadcaster YLE identified the suspect as Ekpa.
Ekpa, who has been in custody since November, denies the allegations. He claims to lead a government-in-exile for Biafra and is associated with a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist movement active in Nigeria.
The dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen has also served as a local representative of Finland’s National Coalition Party in Lahti, including on its public transport committee.
Authorities had initially detained four others suspected of financing Ekpa’s activities, but prosecutors dropped their charges due to insufficient evidence.
