JUST IN: Finland Formally Charges Self-Proclaimed Biafra Prime Minister Ekpa with Inciting Terrorism

Finland’s National Prosecution Authority has formally charged Nigerian-Finnish separatist Simon Ekpa with inciting terrorism through online activity linked to his campaign for an independent Biafra state in Nigeria. The charges, filed on Friday, accuse Ekpa of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and of participating in the activities of a terrorist group. According to the prosecution, the offences occurred in Lahti, southern Finland, between 2021 and 2024.

Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, describes himself as the Prime Minister of the self-declared Biafra Republic Government in Exile. He has been a vocal figure in the pro-Biafra movement and is associated with a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which Nigeria designated a terrorist organisation in 2017.

Although the prosecution authority did not name the suspect in its official release, Finnish public broadcaster YLE confirmed Ekpa’s identity. He was arrested in November 2024 and remains in custody, maintaining his innocence.

Authorities allege that Ekpa’s online messaging incited violent acts in Nigeria under the banner of Biafran separatism. His activities have been scrutinised by both Finnish and Nigerian officials, with the latter seeking his extradition to face charges in Nigeria. President Bola Tinubu’s administration has stated it is working in collaboration with Finland on the matter.

Beyond his activism, Ekpa has participated in Finnish local politics, previously representing the conservative National Coalition Party in Lahti and serving on a municipal transport committee. Finnish police have also investigated potential financial links to his separatist activities. In 2024, four individuals were detained on suspicion of financing his operations, though those charges were later dropped due to lack of evidence.

Ekpa has also faced criticism for spreading misinformation online. AFP has conducted several fact-checks debunking claims made by him, which have gained traction among his followers and the wider pro-Biafra diaspora.