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Finland Court Jails Simon Ekpa for Six Years Over Terrorism Charges

by Nelson Ugwuagbo
written by Nelson Ugwuagbo

A District Court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) Government in Exile, to six years imprisonment for terrorism-related offenses.

Ekpa was arrested on November 21, 2024, by Finnish authorities following a probe by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into allegations that he used social media to incite terrorism and promote violence. His online activities were believed to have fueled unrest in Nigeria’s South-East region.

The Päijät-Häme District Court, after reviewing the charges, ruled that Ekpa’s actions amounted to “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.” The offenses were said to have occurred between August 2021 and November 2024.

During the investigation, Finnish authorities also froze Ekpa’s assets, along with those of his associates and affiliated companies.

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Terrorist Intent: Simon Ekpa, Four Others detained

by Leading Reporters
written by Leading Reporters

Simon Ekpa, has been arrested in Finland along with four others on terror-related charges, The Finnish-Nigerian separatist and self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile

It was gathered that the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests, citing allegations of incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and financing terrorism.

The arrests, carried out earlier this week, led to the suspects being remanded by the district court of Päijät-Häme. Authorities allege that Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, used social media to incite violence in southeastern Nigeria, exacerbating tensions in the region.

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, emphasized the cross-border nature of the case, highlighting international cooperation in uncovering the alleged activities.

Ekpa, known for his radical activism, has a history of controversy. In 2023, Finnish police briefly detained him for suspected fundraising fraud. Globally, he has gained notoriety for advocating election boycotts and publicly endorsing violence. In one of his widely shared statements, Ekpa said, “I support violence against Nigerian government forces. This is self-defense against war crimes committed against us.”

The arrests signal a critical development in addressing allegations of international terrorism and separatist militancy, with implications for security both in the South East particularly, in Nigeria and abroad.

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BREAKING: Gunshots As IPOB Unleashes Terror In Simon Ekpa’s Hometown

by Folarin Kehinde
written by Folarin Kehinde

Sounds of gunshots rent the air as suspected militants of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) caused mayhem in Ezzamgbo, hometown of Friday Ekpa in Ebonyi State, on Monday.

Ekpa, who is based in Finland, is the acclaimed leader of the outlawed group who has been acting in the absence of Nnamdi Kanu, who is standing trial for terrorism.

The group, which had earlier banned celebration of Independence Day across the South East, attacked traders and set vehicles ablaze at the popular Ezzamgbo Junction along the Abakiliki-Enugu highway in Ohaukwu Local Government Area.

The militants also burnt shops, motorbikes, tricycles and destroyed properties of some traders who opened for business.

This is not the first time that the group would take such drastic measure to enforce the sit-at-home in some parts of the state.

At the moment, many residents and traders have closed their shops and ran for safety.

A resident, Chukwuma Apama, who confirmed the incident, told Daily Trust that the hoodlums sparked tension in the area.

Meanwhile, shops, filling stations and other business premises opened in Abakiliki the city capital including motorcycle operators and Keke.

Earlier, IPOB had threatened to deal decisively with anyone who violated its directive on the sit-at-home order on Monday.

The outlawed group had also warned schools and companies against celebrating Nigeria’s 63rd Independence anniversary, saying Nigerian flag must not be seen being flown in commemoration of the event.

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