Rita Odafe
Simon Ekpa
Simon Ekpa, a leader associated with separatist movements, was arrested in Finland on terrorism-related charges and is set to face legal proceedings in May 2025.
Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen from Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation confirmed via email to The PUNCH that prosecutors have until May 2025 to file any charges against Ekpa.
Recently, the Finnish government announced that Ekpa, along with four other individuals, was detained on suspicions of terrorism, including incitement to violence and funding terrorism.
Authorities allege that Ekpa, who identifies as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has incited violence against civilians and government officials in Nigeria’s South-Eastern region through social media.
The Päijät-Häme District Court has formally charged Ekpa with public incitement to commit a crime intended to be terrorist in nature, as per reports from local media outlet Yle.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police also confirmed the recent arrests, noting the additional suspects were detained for their alleged involvement in financing terrorist activities.
In response to questions from The PUNCH, Laaksonen indicated that the investigation is still underway and could not provide further details.
He mentioned, “As the investigation is ongoing, we cannot release more information. The district court has set May 2025 as the date for potential charges to be filed.”
Laaksonen also noted that both Ekpa and Finnish authorities could request a review of the case after two weeks.
“Typically, the next hearing can occur no sooner than two weeks after the previous one if the involved parties request a case review,” he further explained.
This case has attracted international attention, and Finnish officials highlighted the importance of cross-border cooperation in their investigation, though specific details about such collaboration remain undisclosed.
“Given the nature of the case, international collaboration is part of the investigation, but further comments cannot be provided at this time,” noted the NBI.
Ekpa gained notoriety for urging a boycott of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, an action that led to violent enforcement measures against residents.
Earlier, in February 2023, he was first arrested for inciting violence and mandating residents in Nigeria’s South-East to stay home.
His activities have prompted global petitions requesting intervention from the Finnish government, the Nigerian government, and the European Union.
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador, Leena Pylvanainen, to seek cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa.
On the previous Thursday, the Päijät-Häme District Court ruled to detain Ekpa, citing “probable cause” related to public incitement of a criminal act with terrorist intent.
As a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, Ekpa faces accusations of promoting terrorism, while the other detained individuals are charged with providing financial support for terrorism.
Affiliated with the Indigenous People of Biafra, Ekpa advocates for a separate Biafran state and has made inflammatory statements endorsing violence and disrupting elections in Nigeria.
Investigators have linked him to organized attacks aimed at civilians and security forces, with some activities traced back to 2021. His use of social media is noted to be central to his incitement and fundraising efforts.
The sit-at-home orders issued by the Eastern Security Network (ESN) under his influence have reportedly inflicted significant economic damage, with estimates indicating losses of over ₦4 trillion in Nigeria’s South-East within the last two years due to related violence and disruptions.
