Finnish Detains Simon Ekpa of IPOB Over Terrorism Charges Linked to Biafra Agitation
Simon Ekpa, a member of the National Coalition Party (NCP) in Finland and a representative on Lahti’s public transport committee, has gained notoriety as a prominent figure in a separatist movement advocating for an independent Biafran state in Nigeria.
On Thursday, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland conducted a hearing concerning five individuals suspected of terrorist offenses, including Ekpa, a local politician from Lahti.
The court has detained Ekpa on probable cause for incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, related to alleged activities on August 23, 2021, in Lahti.
According to YLE News, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also pursuing the detention of four additional suspects on terrorism-related charges.
Ekpa, who holds dual Finnish-Nigerian citizenship, is accused of utilizing his leadership role within the Nigerian separatist movement to incite violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria. The NBI contends that these actions were coordinated from Finland, including through Ekpa’s social media platforms.
“This activity has been carried out through various means, including social media channels,” stated Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen.
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The NBI’s investigation is focused on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, who is suspected of publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent, alongside four others suspected of financing terrorism. All five individuals were apprehended earlier this week.
Among the suspects, Ekpa resides in the Lahti area, while two others have addresses in Helsinki. One suspect is unregistered in Finland.
A History of Controversy
Ekpa has faced legal challenges in the past, including a 2023 incident where he was arrested on suspicion of fundraising fraud, although he was released the same evening.
His separatist activism has garnered international attention, particularly for his calls to boycott Nigerian elections. “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory in 2023,” he proclaimed in a social media video.
Furthermore, Ekpa has openly justified the use of violence against Nigerian government forces, claiming, “I support violence against Nigerian government forces. This is self-defense. They constantly attack us and have committed numerous war crimes. We have no choice but to defend ourselves.”
Party Response
NCP Secretary Timo Elo refrained from commenting on whether Ekpa is still a party member. “We never disclose who is or isn’t our member. That is confidential information,” Elo stated.
However, he indicated that if any party member were suspected of terrorism-related offenses, it would likely lead to their expulsion from the party. Elo noted that Ekpa’s role on the public transport committee should be evaluated at the local level.
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