Screenshot from the X account of Simon Ekpa, who was active in municipal politics in Lahti. The Päijät-Häme District Court remanded Ekpa into custody on 21 November 2024 on suspicion of public incitement to commit an offence with terrorist intent. The suspected offence took place in Lahti in August 2021. Photo: X / Lehtikuva
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Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has concluded a preliminary probe that identifies former Lahti city councillor Simon Ekpa as a suspect in terrorism-related crimes.
The NBI said on Tuesday it suspects Ekpa of publicly encouraging crimes committed with terrorist intent and contributing to the actions of a terrorist group. The investigation stems from a broader inquiry into international terrorism, launched last year.
Police detained Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen, in November 2023 alongside four other individuals. The other suspects were later released.
“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.
The case has now been referred to the Deputy Prosecutor General to assess whether charges will be filed.
Ekpa, a former candidate for Finland’s National Coalition Party in Lahti, has gained notoriety for his association with Biafran separatist movements in Nigeria. His frequent calls for civil disobedience, including election boycotts, have drawn international attention and criticism.
He has previously defended the use of violence as a legitimate tool in pursuit of separatist goals. In 2023, Finnish police detained Ekpa briefly on suspicion of fundraising fraud, but he was released later the same day.
The NBI has not released specific details about the group to which Ekpa is alleged to have contributed, nor the exact nature of his suspected involvement.
The investigation has been conducted under Finland’s criminal code provisions related to terrorism. If formally charged and convicted, the offences could result in a substantial prison sentence.
Police said further public comment will depend on the prosecutor’s decision. No timeline was given for when the charging decision will be made.
HT
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Source: www.helsinkitimes.fi
