In a significant development, Finnish authorities have frozen the assets of Simon Ekpa, a controversial pro-Biafra agitator, and placed him in Kylmäkoski Vankila, one of Finland’s toughest prisons. This move comes amid allegations of terrorism-related activities linked to Ekpa’s involvement in the ongoing unrest in southeastern Nigeria.

Simon Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, has been a prominent figure in the Biafra separatist movement. He leads a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) known as Autopilot, which has been implicated in enforcing illegal sit-at-home orders and contributing to violence in the region.

On November 21, 2024, the Finnish Central Criminal Police arrested Ekpa along with four others on suspicion of terrorist activities.

Following his arrest, the District Court of Päijät-Häme ordered the freezing of Ekpa’s assets, including those of companies associated with him.

The court cited his involvement in spreading terrorist propaganda on social media and inciting violence in southeastern Nigeria as the basis for this decision. Ekpa is currently held in Kylmäkoski Vankila, a high-security facility known for housing individuals convicted of serious crimes.

The arrest and subsequent actions against Ekpa have elicited mixed reactions. Some residents in southeastern Nigeria have welcomed the move, hoping it will reduce the violence and insecurity in the region³. However, others remain skeptical about the long-term impact of his detention on the separatist movement and regional stability.

Ekpa’s trial is set to commence in May 2025, with Finnish authorities indicating that his offenses are not bailable. The Nigerian government has been pushing for his extradition to face charges related to his activities in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, IPOB factions have distanced themselves from Ekpa, emphasizing that his actions do not represent the group’s official stance.

The freezing of Simon Ekpa’s assets and his imprisonment mark a critical juncture in the efforts to address the violence and unrest associated with the Biafra separatist movement. As legal proceedings unfold, the international community will be closely watching the implications for regional security and the broader fight against terrorism.

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