Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish agitator and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), has been arrested in Finland for the second time in connection with terrorism-related suspicions. Finnish authorities confirmed the arrest of five individuals at the start of this week, including Ekpa, on allegations of inciting and financing terrorism.
According to Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Ekpa was detained in Lahti, while two other suspects were apprehended in Helsinki. One of the suspects reportedly has no registered address in Finland’s population records. Authorities disclosed that international cooperation played a crucial role in the criminal investigation.
Repeat Arrest for Ekpa
This marks the second time Finnish law enforcement has detained Simon Ekpa. In 2023, the NBI arrested him on suspicion of money collection offenses. However, he was released the same evening without charges. The current case is being treated as a separate matter, and authorities have not clarified the extent of the allegations or what the next steps might entail.
Silence from Ekpa’s Political Party
Ekpa holds a political appointment as a representative of the National Coalition Party (NCP) on the Lahti Region Public Transport Committee. Despite his role, recent reports indicate that he has not attended recent board meetings.
The National Coalition Party has remained tight-lipped about Ekpa’s membership status. When questioned, Timo Elo, the party’s secretary, stated, “We will not disclose who is a member of our party and who is not. That information is confidential.” Elo added that the party might consider taking action if a member is suspected of committing terrorist offenses.
Similarly, Pirjo Mäljä, the Executive Director of the Häme National Coalition Party, refrained from commenting on Ekpa’s case, stating that the police and judiciary should complete their investigations before the party decides its stance.
A Controversial Figure
Simon Ekpa is a prominent figure in the Biafra separatist movement, advocating for the independence of southeastern Nigeria. He claims to be a human rights activist, lawyer, and political analyst, among other roles. Ekpa regularly shares his views with his over 60,000 Twitter followers, often calling for boycotts of Nigerian elections unless the government releases Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who remains in detention.
Ongoing Investigations
As the legal process unfolds, Ekpa remains a suspect and has not been convicted of any crimes. The Finnish judiciary’s investigation is expected to take years, leaving his future uncertain.
This development raises significant questions about the intersection of diaspora activism, international law, and counterterrorism efforts, particularly as Ekpa’s dual roles as a political figure and separatist agitator come under scrutiny.