Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has completed its preliminary investigation into terrorism-related allegations against Simon Ekpa, a former city councillor in Lahti and a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the NBI disclosed that Ekpa is suspected of publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent and supporting the actions of a terrorist organization. The suspicions arise from an ongoing international terrorism inquiry initiated in 2023.
Ekpa was arrested in November 2023 along with four others, all of whom were released shortly after—except Ekpa, who remained under investigation.
“As we suspected that the consequences of the public exhortation and the activities of a terrorist group occurred in Nigeria, we cooperated with the Nigerian authorities during the criminal investigation,” said Detective Superintendent Otto Hiltunen of the NBI.
The investigation has now been handed over to Finland’s Deputy Prosecutor General, who will decide whether to proceed with formal charges. Authorities have not specified the terrorist group allegedly linked to Ekpa or the specific nature of his suspected involvement.
Ekpa is widely known for his affiliation with Biafran separatist movements in Nigeria, where his calls for civil disobedience—particularly election boycotts—have stirred significant controversy. He has publicly justified the use of violence in pursuing separatist aims, further fueling debate around his activities.
In a separate incident in early 2023, Finnish police briefly detained Ekpa on suspicion of fundraising fraud. He was released the same day, and no charges were filed at that time.
The NBI’s latest probe falls under Finland’s stringent anti-terrorism laws. If prosecuted and found guilty, Ekpa could face a lengthy prison sentence.
Authorities have stated that no further public information will be released until the prosecutor has reviewed the case. There is currently no set date for when a charging decision will be announced.
Source: Helsingin Sanomat, Finnish NBI, Yle News
