Finnish prosecutors have officially charged Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish political activist and separatist figure, with inciting terrorism online and participating in a terrorist organization.
The National Prosecution Authority stated the alleged crimes occurred in Lahti between 2021 and 2024, and are linked to Ekpa’s activities advocating for the independence of Biafra in southeastern Nigeria.
Although the statement withheld the suspect’s name, Finnish public broadcaster YLE identified the individual as Ekpa, a vocal leader of a faction within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ekpa, who was detained in November 2024, remains in custody and has denied all charges. He also previously served in a local political role with Finland’s National Coalition Party, sitting on a public transport committee in Lahti.
Authorities had earlier detained four other individuals in connection with the case on suspicion of providing financial support. However, those charges were dropped due to insufficient evidence.
