FG Closely Monitors Simon Ekpa’s Trial in Finland

The Nigerian Federal Government is actively observing Simon Ekpa’s trial in Finland, underscoring its commitment to addressing his alleged actions. 

The Federal Government has announced that it is closely observing the legal case of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra. This follows his arrest in Finland on charges related to inciting terrorism and promoting violence.

On Thursday, November 21, 2024, Finnish authorities detained Ekpa. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme has decided to keep him in detention on probable cause due to his alleged involvement in inciting violence through social media.

In a statement released on Friday and signed by Kimiebi Ebienfa, the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Federal Government expressed its commitment to monitoring Ekpa’s legal case. The government emphasized that these proceedings are crucial in addressing IPOB’s influence and other transnational actors affecting Nigeria’s national security.

The government had earlier applied diplomatic pressure on Finland to address Ekpa’s activities, which have been associated with violent incidents in Nigeria’s South-East region.

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As the case progresses, the ministry has committed to offering additional updates on the legal proceedings and ensuring that Ekpa’s actions, which have incited unrest in Nigeria, are appropriately addressed under Finnish law.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms that Finnish authorities arrested Mr. Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and key leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), on Thursday, November 21, 2024.

He faced charges of inciting terrorism and advocating violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme decided to detain him on probable grounds for publicly encouraging crimes with a terrorist intent.

The Ministry emphasizes that Mr. Simon Ekpa’s arrest is a crucial step in tackling the activities of IPOB and reducing the influence of transnational actors on our national security.

“The Ministry will keep an eye on the legal proceedings and issue additional updates as the case develops,” stated the announcement.