Simon Ekpa with Finland law enforcement. Photo credit: Helsingin Sanomat
Willy Okonji-
Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been imprisoned in Finland following his arrest by Finnish law enforcement authorities.
According to the BBC, the district court of Päijät-Häme found Ekpa guilty of “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.” The court stated that the offence occurred in 2021 in Lahti municipality.
A representative of the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation confirmed the development, stating, “Simon Ekpa has been under investigation for activities promoting terrorism, and the court has now ruled in accordance with the evidence presented.”
Additionally, four other men were reportedly arrested in connection with alleged terrorist offences.
Authorities emphasized that these arrests were part of a broader crackdown on activities deemed harmful to public safety. Ekpa, known for his controversial online rhetoric, has faced criticism for inciting violence and promoting separatist movements.
His imprisonment marks a significant step by Finnish authorities to address such activities on their soil.
Further investigations are ongoing to determine the extent of the network involved in the alleged offences.
