Finnish authorities have frozen the assets of Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafran agitator, amid allegations of terrorism-related activities. The freeze also extends to companies linked to Ekpa and four of his alleged accomplices, who are currently in detention.
According to Yle, a Finnish newspaper, Ekpa is being held at the Kylmäkoski Prison, known for its stringent security measures. Established in January 1993 in Kylmäkoski municipality, the prison is reputed to be one of the toughest in the world.
Ekpa was remanded by the Päijät-Häme District Court on November 21, following his arrest by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Authorities accuse him of spreading terrorist propaganda on social media, instigating violence, and inciting terror in Nigeria’s southeast. The alleged offences date back to 2021 in the municipality of Lahti.
Ekpa, who identifies as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, is said to have played a significant role in the Sit-at-Home orders, which have disrupted economic activities in southeastern Nigeria.
The Finnish government has confirmed that Ekpa’s charges are not bailable, and his trial is scheduled to begin in May 2025.
