Simon Ekpa, a municipal politician from Lahti, Finland, and member of the National Coalition Party (NCP), has been detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges related to incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. The alleged offenses stem from activities connected to a separatist movement in Nigeria. Ekpa is accused of promoting violent actions against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria, actions reportedly coordinated from Finland, including through his influential social media presence.
On Thursday, the Päijät-Häme District Court held a hearing in which Ekpa was among five individuals suspected of involvement in terrorism-related offenses. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed that Ekpa, along with four others, was detained as part of an ongoing investigation. The NBI also suspects Ekpa of financing terrorism alongside the other suspects, though Ekpa’s current legal status is tied to his role in inciting terrorism from Lahti, Finland.
Ekpa, who has previously held local political roles, including serving on Lahti’s public transport committee, is known for his leadership of a separatist group advocating for the creation of an independent Biafran state in Nigeria. His public calls for violence and the boycotting of Nigerian elections, which he justified as acts of self-defense, have drawn international attention. Ekpa’s controversial statements, including supporting the use of violence against Nigerian government forces, have led to heightened scrutiny of his activities in Finland and abroad.
The NBI’s investigation, which focuses on Ekpa’s use of social media to spread calls for violent acts, aims to further understand the network behind the separatist movement and its potential links to terroristic activities. Ekpa had previously been detained in 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud, but was released the same day.
The NCP, Ekpa’s political affiliation, has declined to comment on his possible expulsion, with Secretary Timo Elo stating that membership information is confidential. However, Elo did note that if a party member is found to be involved in terrorism offenses, expulsion would likely follow.
The ongoing case has sparked debate in both Finland and Nigeria, as authorities work to unravel the extent of Ekpa’s involvement in separatist activism and its potential impact on regional stability.
