Finland Charges Simon Ekpa With Inciting Terrorism in Nigeria’s South-East
Helsinki, Finland – May 17, 2025 — Finnish authorities have charged Simon Ekpa, a prominent Nigerian separatist figure, with inciting terrorism and related crimes, according to a statement from Finland’s National Prosecution Authority on Friday. The charges mark a significant escalation in international efforts to address violence linked to the push for Biafran independence in Nigeria’s south-east.
According to the official statement, prosecutors have charged a Finnish citizen — identified in media reports as Simon Ekpa — with “public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and participation in the activities of a terrorist group.” The alleged offences reportedly took place in Lahti, Finland, between 2021 and 2024 and are directly linked to activities to establish the Biafra region as an independent state.
Simon Ekpa, who describes himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been a vocal advocate for the secession of Nigeria’s south-east. Finnish police allege that Ekpa used social media platforms to promote violence, instigate unrest, and encourage terrorist acts targeting both civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s south-east region. The Biafra agitation, which traces its roots to the failed attempt to establish the Republic of Biafra in the 1960s, remains one of Nigeria’s most sensitive security issues.
No Bail for Simon Ekpa Under Finnish Law
Ekpa, who was detained in November 2024, is currently being held at Kylmäkoski prison, one of Finland’s most secure correctional facilities located in Akaa, Vanhamaantie. Due to the severity of the charges, the Finnish legal system does not permit bail for individuals accused of terrorism-related crimes. Police say Ekpa will remain in custody until his trial is concluded.
A Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, confirmed that Finnish courts had set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to present formal charges. Following the court’s timeline, the National Prosecution Authority has now proceeded with the indictment.
Asset Freeze and Further Investigations
Finnish authorities have also frozen assets linked to Simon Ekpa and companies associated with him, as part of ongoing investigations into the financing of terrorism. According to official sources, the measures were necessary to prevent further use of funds for suspected criminal activities.
Ekpa’s activities have been a source of major controversy, with Nigerian officials repeatedly expressing concern over his online broadcasts, which they allege have contributed to violent unrest and attacks in the south-east region. The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), the movement with which Ekpa is associated, has been banned in Nigeria and designated as a terrorist organisation by the Nigerian government. Ekpa claims leadership of a faction of IPOB from exile in Finland.
International Implications
The case marks a rare instance of European authorities prosecuting an individual for alleged involvement in terrorism and violent incitement abroad, highlighting growing international cooperation against cross-border extremism. The Finnish government has reiterated its commitment to upholding both freedom of expression and strict anti-terrorism laws.
A statement from the Finnish National Prosecution Authority emphasised, “The prosecution relates to suspected public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and participation in the activities of a terrorist group. The alleged crimes were committed in Lahti between 2021 and 2024 and relate to efforts to establish the Biafra region in Nigeria as an independent state.”
Ekpa’s trial is expected to draw significant attention both in Nigeria and internationally, as authorities continue to grapple with the security and political challenges posed by the Biafra movement.
This story is developing and will be updated as more details emerge from the Finnish legal proceedings.
