Court Remands Simon Ekpa Over Alleged Incitement of Terror in Nigeria

A district court in Lahti, Finland, has ordered the detention of Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for allegedly inciting public violence and promoting terrorism in Nigeria. The court’s decision, announced on Thursday, cites probable cause that Ekpa engaged in activities amounting to public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

According to court records, the alleged offenses date back to August 23, 2021. Finnish authorities have previously investigated Ekpa for financial crimes, including fundraising through questionable means.

Ekpa is accused of using social media platforms to disseminate separatist propaganda associated with IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria. Finnish police, led by Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police, allege that Ekpa’s activities from Finland have incited violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.

Hiltunen stated, “The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”

The case extends beyond Ekpa, with four additional suspects accused of financing terrorism in Lahti in August 2022. These individuals, identified as being of foreign descent and born in the 1960s and 1970s, were among five arrested during the early stages of the investigation. Finnish police have emphasized the role of international cooperation in advancing the inquiry.

Ekpa was previously arrested in February 2023 at a private residence in Lahti in connection with allegations of illegal fundraising. However, he was released the same day after questioning. Authorities have since received multiple reports linking his social media activities to potential crimes, prompting further investigation.

Simon Ekpa is a known figure in Finland’s political landscape, having served as a deputy councilor and a member of the Lahti region’s public transport board under the National Coalition Party. Despite his local political affiliations, he has used his platform to call for election boycotts and support Biafra’s independence from Nigeria.

The Finnish authorities’ actions highlight ongoing international efforts to address the cross-border implications of online incitement and terrorist financing. Further proceedings in the case are expected as investigations continue.