Finnish authorities have charged Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian dual citizen and leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), with terrorism and for allegedly inciting violence in southeastern Nigeria through social media.
Ekpa was arrested in November 2024 and is currently being held in Kylmäkoski Prison.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) accuses him of spreading terrorist propaganda online, which allegedly led to violent incidents in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The Nigerian government has expressed its intention to seek Ekpa’s extradition to face charges related to terrorism and promoting violence, particularly his role in enforcing unlawful sit-at-home orders in the South-East.
The Nigerian Army welcomed his arrest, viewing it as a significant step in combating terrorism.
Ekpa has appointed a new lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, who is reviewing the pre-trial case file.
The case has drawn international attention to the role of digital platforms in influencing political movements and the responsibilities of individuals in positions of leadership.
