The Finnish government has formally filed terrorism-related charges against Simon Ekpa, a prominent and controversial Biafra separatist leader, over his online activities allegedly linked to inciting violence in Nigeria.
According to Finnish media outlet Yle, the charges were filed Friday morning at the Päijät-Häme District Court and include “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent” and “participation in a terrorist group.”
Jukka Rappe, Finland’s Deputy Prosecutor-General, confirmed that the charges relate to Ekpa’s campaign for the establishment of an independent state of Biafra, and his alleged role in promoting terrorist propaganda and inciting unrest from abroad.
“This is a unique and first case of its kind,” Rappe said, adding that the court will determine whether Ekpa’s actions, conducted through information networks from within Finland, amount to terrorist crimes. He also disclosed that the Finnish government had received documents from Nigeria relating to the case.
A hearing date is yet to be scheduled.
Ekpa, who identifies as a leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested in November 2024 and subsequently detained following a ruling by the Päijät-Häme court. He was accused of using his social media platforms to spread terrorist propaganda, with Finnish authorities citing activities dating back to 2021 in the municipality of Lahti.
Ekpa’s online posts have been linked to violence and unrest in Nigeria’s south-east region, where IPOB has a strong following. He is alleged to have used his platforms to instigate attacks and promote separatist ideology, raising concerns over the cross-border influence of digital incitement.
Despite the formal charges in Finland, Nigeria’s federal government has not yet initiated extradition proceedingsagainst Ekpa. Lateef Fagbemi, Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation, recently confirmed that no extradition request has been filed, even as pressure mounts from some quarters for stronger legal cooperation between both countries.