The Finnish government has formally charged Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and controversial pro-Biafra activist, with terrorism-related offences. The charges, filed on Friday at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti, include “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent” and “participation in a terrorist group.”

Jukka Rappe, Finland’s Deputy Prosecutor-General, confirmed that the case stems from Ekpa’s secessionist activities linked to the push for an independent Biafra state in Nigeria’s South-East. Ekpa, who resides in Lahti, is accused of using social media and other online platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence, and promote terrorism.

The Finnish authorities allege that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in Nigeria through his online campaigns. The charges are also tied to suspicions of illegally raising funds in violation of Finland’s Money Collection Act. The investigation, led by Finnish police in collaboration with Nigerian authorities, marks the first case of its kind in Finland, according to Rappe.

Ekpa, 40, was arrested on 21 November 2024 along with four others. While he was remanded by the Päijät-Häme court for spreading terrorist propaganda, the other suspects were later released after preliminary investigations. Ekpa is believed to be the leader of the “Autopilot” faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), although the main IPOB group loyal to Nnamdi Kanu has publicly disowned him.

Despite Finland’s legal action, Nigeria’s Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, recently stated that the federal government has not yet initiated formal extradition proceedings against Ekpa.

No court date has been set yet for the trial.