Simon Ekpa Charged in Finland for Alleged Online Terrorism Incitement

By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu

Finnish prosecutors have formally charged Simon Ekpa with inciting terrorism through online activities.
The National Prosecution Authority announced the decision on Friday, stating that charges against four other individuals connected to the case were dropped due to insufficient evidence.

The authority said a Finnish citizen had been charged with public incitement to commit terrorist acts and involvement in the activities of a terrorist group. The alleged offenses occurred in Lahti between 2021 and 2024 and are tied to efforts to push for the independence of Nigeria’s Biafra region.

Though the official statement did not name the suspect, Finnish broadcaster YLE identified him as Simon Ekpa, known for his role as a leader of the self-declared Biafra Republic government-in-exile. Ekpa was detained in November and remains in custody. He has denied all charges.

He holds both Finnish and Nigerian citizenship and previously served as a representative for the National Coalition Party in Lahti, where he was a member of the city’s public transport committee.