Finnish government authorities have frozen the assets of Simon Ekpa, a controversial pro-Biafra agitator, over alleged involvement in terrorism.
On November 21, Ekpa was arrested by law enforcement in Finland, alongside four other men suspected of terrorism-related activities.
The secessionist was subsequently remanded in custody by the District Court of Päijät-Häme for “disseminating terrorist propaganda on social media”.
Ekpa allegedly committed the offence in 2021 in the Lahti municipality. He is accused of instigating violence and inciting acts of terror in south-eastern Nigeria via his social media platforms.
Nigeria’s government has been pressing for Ekpa’s extradition to face prosecution. As a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, his case has attracted significant international attention.
Finnish authorities have stated that Ekpa’s offence is not eligible for bail. His trial is scheduled to begin in May 2025.
According to Yle, a Finnish media outlet, Ekpa’s assets, along with those of other suspects, have been frozen. The Finnish government has also seized the assets of companies linked to him.
The same report indicated that Ekpa is currently being held at Kylmäkoski Prison, which was established in January 1993 in the Kylmäkoski municipality.
In February 2023, Ekpa was previously arrested by police at his residence in Lahti but was released after several hours of questioning.
