A U.S.-based social media user, @Burmese_Tyga_, has called for a crackdown on Simon Ekpa’s alleged supporters in the United States.
The user tweeted, urging Nigerians and Americans with information about individuals donating to Ekpa to forward their details for submission to the U.S. Department of State as potential sponsors of terrorism.
The tweet emphasized, “Someone has to pay for the lives wasted and blood spilled in Igbo land. Destroying your lives here in the US is the least we can do.”
This development comes after Finnish authorities detained Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian politician and self-declared leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on charges of incitement to commit terrorism. Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, based in Lahti, and several other suspects are under investigation for terrorism-related offenses, including suspected financing of terrorism.
Details of Detention and Charges
Ekpa was detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court following allegations that he incited crimes with terrorist intent through social media platforms. The offense reportedly occurred on August 23, 2021, in Lahti, Finland.
Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen stated that Ekpa allegedly used his leadership role in IPOB to promote violent separatist actions in southeastern Nigeria. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also investigating four additional suspects linked to Ekpa, focusing on terrorism financing.
Ekpa’s advocacy for an independent Biafra has included calls to boycott Nigerian elections and justification of violent tactics. In a widely circulated video, he declared, “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory in 2023.” Previously, in 2023, Finnish authorities detained him on suspicion of fundraising fraud, though he was released the same day.
Political and Community Fallout
Ekpa, born in the 1980s and a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, served on Lahti’s public transport committee and had affiliations with Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP). However, the NCP has not confirmed his membership, citing confidentiality. Party Secretary Timo Elo suggested that any NCP member accused of terrorism would likely face expulsion.
The case has sparked global implications, as Finnish authorities intensify investigations into the suspected network of individuals supporting violent separatist movements. Ekpa’s detention underscores the international dimensions of terrorism, especially when digital platforms amplify calls for violence.
The investigation continues, aiming to uncover the extent of Ekpa’s influence and the reach of his supporters worldwide.
