The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the arrest of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and a prominent figure in the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by Finnish authorities on Thursday, November 21.
In a statement released on Friday in Abuja by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry, Ekpa was charged with inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled to detain him on probable cause for publicly encouraging criminal acts with terrorist intent.
Ekpa, a Finnish politician and Biafran activist, reportedly declared the activation of a Biafra Government in exile in 2022 and assumed its leadership in 2023 while living abroad.
“The ministry wishes to confirm the arrest of Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and prominent leader of the proscribed IPOB, by Finnish authorities on Thursday, Nov. 21,” the statement read.
Finnish authorities have alleged that Ekpa used social media platforms to spread separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage unlawful activities. These actions reportedly contributed to significant disruptions and violence in Nigeria’s South-East region. Investigators in Finland linked his online activities to violent incidents in Nigeria, fueling instability in the region.
The Ministry noted that the arrest followed sustained diplomatic efforts by the Nigerian government, which urged Finland to address Ekpa’s activities. This request was highlighted during high-level engagements between officials from both nations.
Describing Ekpa’s arrest as a crucial step in curbing IPOB’s activities and reducing the impact of transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security, the Ministry pledged to closely monitor the legal proceedings.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement concluded.
