Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian politician and a prominent leader in Nigeria’s Biafran separatist movement, has been detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court on suspicion of incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. The alleged incident occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021, and forms part of a broader investigation by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
Authorities have accused Ekpa of using his role as a Biafran separatist leader to promote violence against civilians and officials in southeastern Nigeria. The NBI said these activities, allegedly coordinated from Finland, involved social media platforms to incite and organize actions.
“This activity has been carried out, among other means, via social media channels,” Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen stated.
The NBI also detained four other individuals on related terrorism charges, including financing terrorist activities. While Ekpa resides in Lahti, two other suspects have Helsinki addresses, and one has no registered address in Finland.
Background of Controversy
Ekpa, a member of the National Coalition Party (NCP) and a municipal politician in Lahti, has previously faced legal scrutiny. In 2023, Finnish authorities detained him briefly over allegations of fundraising fraud.
He has gained notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigerian elections and his public endorsement of violence against government forces in the country’s southeast. In a social media video, Ekpa declared, “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory in 2023.”
Ekpa has defended the use of violence, claiming it is a necessary response to attacks by Nigerian authorities. “They constantly attack us and have committed numerous war crimes. We have no choice but to defend ourselves,” he stated.
National Coalition Party Responds
NCP Secretary Timo Elo declined to confirm whether Ekpa is a party member, citing privacy rules. However, Elo indicated that terrorism allegations against any member would likely lead to expulsion. Ekpa’s role on Lahti’s public transport committee may also be reviewed locally.
