Lahti municipal politician Simon Ekpa has been officially charged with terrorism-related offences in Finland.
The 40-year-old Nigerian-born entrepreneur and National Coalition Party, NCP, representative is accused of inciting criminal acts with terrorist intent and participating in a terrorist group.
According to Finnish prosecutors, the charges stem from Ekpa’s involvement in promoting separatist activities aimed at reviving the defunct state of Biafra in southeastern Nigeria. Authorities claim that his actions contributed to violence and attacks on civilians and officials in the region.
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Ekpa, who remains listed on Lahti’s public transit board, is suspected of disseminating propaganda from his residence in Finland between August 2021 and November 2024.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation has collaborated with Nigerian authorities during the investigation.
Five individuals were detained during the probe, four of whom were suspected of funding terrorist acts but have since been released.
Ekpa, who has been held in custody since November 2024, denies any wrongdoing. His case is scheduled to be heard in the Päijät-Häme District Court, although a trial date has not been set.
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