Simon Ekpa Imprisoned in Finland for Inciting Terror in Nigeria

Simon Ekpa, IPOB Leader, Remanded in Finland Prison for Public Incitement to Terror in Nigeria

iexclusivenews – Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been ordered to be imprisoned by a Finland district court in Lahti. The court’s decision, made on Thursday, is based on probable cause for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent in Nigeria.

Ekpa has been accused of using social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda linked to IPOB, a group advocating for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.

The court alleges that the offences committed by Simon Ekpa date back to August 23, 2021. Ekpa has been under investigation by Finnish authorities for his activities, which include alleged financial crimes such as the collection of funds through questionable means. The charges against him are serious, as they involve incitement to violence and terrorism.

Meanwhile, in addition to Ekpa, four other individuals have been arrested on suspicion of financing terrorism. These suspects, who are of foreign background and were born in the 1960s and 1970s, are believed to have committed the crime in August 2022, also in Lahti.

The head of the investigation, crime commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police, stated, “The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria. The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

Previous Investigations and Arrests

Simon Ekpa has been under scrutiny by Finnish authorities for some time. In February 2023, he was arrested in a private apartment in Lahti on suspicion of collecting money unlawfully. Ekpa was later released the same evening after being questioned. During this period, police received multiple reports about his activities on social media, prompting further investigations to determine whether he could be linked to other crimes.

However, in Finland, Simon Ekpa is known as a local politician affiliated with the National Coalition Party. He has served as a deputy councilor and represented the party on the Lahti region’s public transport board. Despite his political involvement in Finland, Ekpa has used his platform to call for election boycotts and support Biafra’s independence efforts from his home in Lahti.

The investigation into Simon Ekpa’s activities has involved significant international cooperation. Helsingin Sanomat (HS) reports that five suspects were arrested during the first week of the investigation, highlighting the collaborative efforts between Finnish authorities and their international counterparts. This cooperation has been crucial in uncovering the extent of Ekpa’s activities and their impact on Nigeria.

Impact of Ekpa’s Activities in Nigeria

Simon Ekpa’s use of social media to spread separatist propaganda has had significant repercussions in Nigeria. His calls for violence and election boycotts have contributed to unrest and instability in the southeastern region of the country. The Finnish court’s decision to imprison Ekpa underscores the seriousness of his actions and their impact on both Nigeria and the international community.

In conclusion, the imprisonment of Simon Ekpa by a Finland district court marks a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address terrorism and incitement to violence. Ekpa’s activities, which have been linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have had far-reaching consequences in Nigeria. As Finnish authorities continue their investigations, the international community will be closely watching the outcome of this case and its implications for combating terrorism and promoting stability.