DSS Confirms Terrorism Charges Against Simon Ekpa

Finnish authorities have officially charged Simon Ekpa, a leader of the Biafran separatist movement, with terrorism-related crimes following his arrest in November 2024. After roughly six months in detention, Ekpa faced charges on Friday, May 16, for inciting terrorism and engaging in the operations of a terrorist organization, as stated by Finland’s National Prosecution Authority.

The charges, covering activities from 2021 to 2024 in Lahti, include “public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and participation in the activities of a terrorist group.” Although the prosecution authority did not publicly identify the suspect, Finnish public broadcaster YLE confirmed that the individual is Simon Ekpa.

Ekpa, who holds both Finnish and Nigerian citizenship, has rejected the accusations. He remains detained as the legal proceedings move forward. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti will oversee the case, though a date for the hearing has not yet been scheduled.

The Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja confirmed to Vanguard that the charges were formally lodged on Friday, May 16. “The charges were filed today (Friday morning) as scheduled. The case will be heard in Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti. A hearing date has not yet been set. Ekpa is suspected of committing the crimes between August 2021 and November 2024,” the DSS stated.

Ekpa has become widely known as a self-proclaimed leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for the secession of Nigeria’s southeastern region. He also claims leadership of the Biafra Republic’s government in exile and has been accused by authorities of using his platform to promote violence in Nigeria.

Finnish police claim that Ekpa encouraged violence and other crimes against civilians and government officials through separatist propaganda disseminated from his residence in Lahti. He also holds a local role in Finland, serving on a public transport committee in Lahti as a member of the conservative National Coalition Party.

During his initial arrest, Finnish authorities also apprehended four other individuals suspected of providing financial support to Ekpa’s activities. However, they were later released due to insufficient evidence to pursue charges.

Finnish and Nigerian law enforcement agencies are continuing their collaborative investigation into Ekpa’s alleged role in fomenting unrest tied to the pro-Biafra movement.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

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