Simon Ekpa, a factional leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and a notorious propagandist, has been arrested by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
On Thursday, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced him to prison for using social media to spread terrorist propaganda.
Ekpa, who also serves on Lahti’s public transport committee under Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP), allegedly committed the offenses in August 2021. He is accused of leveraging his position in the outlawed IPOB to incite violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.
The Nigerian-born Finnish resident rose to prominence in July 2021 after the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB’s founder. Initially serving as the lead broadcaster for RadioBiafra, Ekpa left two weeks later over alleged disputes about the platform’s rules of engagement. He subsequently created his own online channel, Enter Biafra Freedom Awareness Channels, which he used to spread inflammatory messages and recruit followers. His activities have been linked to escalating terrorist incidents in southeastern Nigeria.
Why Nigerians Are Celebrating
For years, Ekpa has championed a divisive campaign aimed at splitting Nigeria into separate nations. He is infamous for imposing “sit-at-home” curfews across southeast Nigeria, particularly on Mondays, crippling the region’s economy and restricting residents’ freedom of movement. Those who defied these orders often faced violence, including death. His actions have disrupted education, increased out-of-school children, and caused the deaths of security personnel.
Although IPOB officially ended the sit-at-home directive in July 2023 at the request of Kanu from prison, Ekpa refused to comply. He continued to issue curfews under the guise of IPOB, ignoring appeals from Kanu’s family to stop exploiting his name and image. In 2023, Ekpa declared himself “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and began raising funds internationally for his cause.
Ekpa’s faction has contributed to making southeastern Nigeria—a previously safe region—dangerous and volatile. His arrest has brought relief to many Nigerians who view it as a step toward restoring peace. “We have suffered too much under this man’s orders,” said Obinna, a trader from Onitsha. “His arrest is a victory for peace in the southeast,” added Adanne, a teacher from Anambra.
What Lies Ahead?
The arrest has reignited discussions about the future of IPOB’s separatist movement. While some believe it deals a significant blow to the group, others argue it may not deter ongoing secessionist agitations.
Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong commented on social media, stating, “You cannot stay in a foreign country and sponsor or instigate terrorism in Nigeria. I hope the Finnish government has done due diligence in this case.”
Nigerian authorities are optimistic that Ekpa’s detention will weaken IPOB’s influence in the Southeast. The Nigerian Defense Headquarters has announced steps to extradite Ekpa for prosecution, while IPOB has officially distanced itself from him.
As Nigerians celebrate the arrest, many hope it marks the beginning of a safer and more stable southeastern region.
