Simon Ekpa, IPOB Leader, Arrested in Finland on Terror Charges

Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, has been arrested in Finland and is currently held at Kylmäkoski vankila, one of the country’s most secure prisons. His arrest, alongside four other individuals, was executed by Finnish authorities on suspicion of involvement in terror-related activities.

The charges against Ekpa include incitement to violence and financing terrorism, linked to his provocative online statements advocating for violent actions against Nigerian authorities and civilians. Finnish authorities have taken these accusations seriously, leading to a swift legal response.

Following his arrest, Ekpa has been remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court, with further hearings scheduled for May 2025. During this time, he is not eligible for bail, and the Finnish government has moved to freeze his assets and those of companies affiliated with him.

The case has attracted considerable media attention, not only for its implications for Ekpa and IPOB but also for the broader context of Biafra's ongoing struggle for independence