Terrorism: Finnish court jails IPOB chief, Simon Ekpa for six years

A District Court in Finland has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Simon Ekpa, who has positioned himself as the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Government in Exile.

This decision comes as a result of Ekpa’s involvement in terrorism-related activities that have sparked significant controversy.

Ekpa was apprehended by Finnish law enforcement on November 21, 2024, following a thorough investigation conducted by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

The inquiry focused on claims that he was inciting acts of terrorism and promoting violent behavior through social media platforms. These actions were believed to have played a role in escalating tensions and unrest in southeastern Nigeria, drawing the attention of both local and international observers.

Upon his arrest, the Päijät-Häme District Court deemed it necessary to remand Ekpa in custody, emphasizing the seriousness of the charges against him.

The court characterized the allegations as “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” which encompassed a range of offenses occurring from August 2021 up until his arrest in November 2024.

In a parallel action, the NBI took steps to freeze the assets of Ekpa, his close associates, and related companies, highlighting the extensive measures being implemented to curtail the impact of their alleged activities.

These actions signify Finland’s commitment to addressing terrorism and maintaining safety within its borders, while addressing international concerns regarding the situation in Nigeria.