Finnish authorities have filed criminal charges against Nigerian separatist leader Simon Ekpa, accusing him of inciting acts of terrorism and involvement with a terrorist group.
The Finnish National Prosecution Authority revealed on Friday that a dual-national Finnish citizen is being prosecuted for publicly encouraging criminal acts with terrorist intent and participating in the operations of a terrorist organization.
Although the statement did not mention Ekpa by name, Finnish public broadcaster YLE confirmed his identity.
The alleged offences reportedly took place in the city of Lahti between 2021 and 2024. Authorities linked the case to Ekpa’s activities aimed at securing independence for Nigeria’s southeastern Biafra region.
Ekpa, who described himself as the Prime Minister of a Biafran government-in-exile, was detained in November 2024 and remains in custody. He has denied all charges brought against him.
Well-known for his leadership role in a breakaway faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ekpa has been a vocal advocate for Biafran secession. IPOB seeks to establish an independent state for the Igbo ethnic group, a struggle that has historical roots dating back to the Nigerian Civil War of the late 1960s.
Aside from his activism, Ekpa has also been active in Finnish local politics. He previously served on a public transport committee in Lahti as a representative of the National Coalition Party.
Meanwhile, four other individuals who were initially detained on suspicion of financially supporting Ekpa’s activities have been released from prosecution, as the authorities cited insufficient evidence to proceed against them.
The legal case has attracted attention in both Finland and Nigeria, particularly given the sensitive nature of the separatist movement and its history. Finnish officials have previously clarified that no formal extradition process involving Ekpa is underway at this time.