Simon Njoku Ekpa

Simon Ekpa is a Nigerian-Finnish legal advisor, political activist, and former athlete who gained international attention for his role as a self-proclaimed leader within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist movement in southeastern Nigeria. Born on March 21, 1985, in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Ekpa moved to Finland, where he became a Finnish citizen and established a career in law and community affairs. He is known for his vocal advocacy for the independence of Biafra and has been involved in controversial activities aimed at promoting this cause.

Early Life and Education

Simon Ekpa was born to King Nwangbo and Lolo Nwangbo in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. He spent his early years in Nigeria before relocating to Finland. Ekpa holds a Master’s degree in Law from Aberystwyth University in Wales and a PhD in Business Law from ABMS Education Group in Switzerland. His academic pursuits positioned him as a legal expert in various areas, particularly international and business law.

In his youth, Ekpa was an accomplished athlete. He represented Nigeria in the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships, securing a silver medal, a testament to his talents beyond academics.

Currently residing in Finland, Simon Ekpa is an influential but controversial figure in the movement for the independence of Biafra, a region in southeastern Nigeria. He leads a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) known as “Autopilot” and identifies as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). His activities, which include disseminating propaganda and inciting violence through social media, have drawn criticism and legal scrutiny. Finnish authorities arrested him in February 2023 on charges of using social media platforms to instigate violence in Nigeria.

Background and Education

Ekpa moved to Finland years ago, where he pursued higher education, ultimately training in law. In addition to his legal practice, he engaged in Finnish politics and community leadership, at one point serving as a member of a local city council in Finland. His background in law and his dual nationality have provided him a platform to engage in activism both in Nigeria and internationally.

Career

Ekpa practices law in Finland and gained Finnish citizenship, which he uses to maintain international influence. Over the years, he has diversified his career, delving into activism and politics. His transition into activism placed him at the center of separatist movements in Nigeria.

Activism and Role in IPOB

Ekpa became prominent within the IPOB movement after the arrest of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu in 2021. He emerged as one of the voices pushing for the continuation of IPOB’s objectives, including weekly sit-at-home orders in the southeastern region of Nigeria, which have impacted the region’s economy and daily life. His methods and uncompromising stance have stirred considerable controversy, drawing criticism and support from different groups within Nigeria and the diaspora.

Controversy and Legal Issues

Ekpa’s activities and pronouncements have led to legal and diplomatic concerns in both Nigeria and Finland. Nigerian authorities have criticized his tactics, linking them to disruptions and violence in the southeastern part of Nigeria. His advocacy methods have led to calls from Nigerian officials for intervention by Finnish authorities to curb his influence.

Athletic Background

Before his involvement in activism, Simon Ekpa was also an athlete, representing Finland in track and field events, particularly as a sprinter. His achievements in sports contributed to his profile within the Finnish community prior to his shift toward political activism.

Work and Leadership in IPOB

Simon Ekpa emerged as a prominent leader in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria. After the arrest of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu in 2021, Ekpa assumed leadership of a faction called “Autopilot.” Under his leadership, this group adopted a more radical approach, enforcing controversial sit-at-home orders and engaging in violent activities.

Ekpa declared himself the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and continued to agitate for the cause using online platforms. Despite his growing influence among some Biafran sympathizers, his methods have been widely criticized for inciting violence and disrupting lives in southeastern Nigeria.

Scandals and Controversies

Simon Ekpa’s leadership has been marred by numerous controversies:

1. Incitement of Violence: Ekpa has been accused of promoting violence in Nigeria through social media, leading to deaths and economic disruptions in the southeastern region. He was arrested in Finland in February 2023 on charges related to these allegations​
2. Disruption in Nigeria: His faction enforced sit-at-home orders that paralyzed economic and social activities, sparking public outcry. The orders were often backed by threats and violence, causing immense hardship for residents​
3. Terrorism Allegations: The Nigerian government has labeled IPOB and its factions as terrorist organizations. Ekpa’s actions, including targeted attacks and inflammatory rhetoric, have drawn criticism from international and domestic observers​
4. Hiring American Lobbyists: In 2024, Ekpa hired Moran Global Strategies, a U.S. lobbying firm, for $10,000 monthly to push for Biafra’s independence and recognition by the United States. This move aimed to gain international support for Biafra while highlighting human rights concerns in Nigeria​

Political Activities

Simon Ekpa’s political influence stems from his separatist advocacy. As the leader of BRGIE, he claims to represent Biafra’s interests on the global stage. He has criticized Nigeria’s governance, alleging marginalization of the southeastern region, and has used his platform to amplify calls for an independent Biafran state.

In Finland, Ekpa maintains a low political profile to avoid direct conflicts with Finnish authorities, focusing instead on influencing diaspora communities and international stakeholders.

Current Status

Simon Ekpa’s activities continue to spark significant international concern and diplomatic tension. While he benefits from the protections afforded by his Finnish citizenship, his involvement in the Biafran independence movement and related actions have strained relations between Nigeria and Finland. Nigerian authorities have repeatedly called for his extradition, accusing him of incitement and activities they classify as terrorism. Ekpa’s influence and controversial stance on Biafran separatism maintain high visibility, as debates over regional autonomy, governance, and national unity remain pressing issues within Nigeria.

Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian politician and self-declared leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, was detained by Finnish authorities on November 21, 2024. The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti remanded him in custody on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Yle

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) alleges that Ekpa used his leadership position within a Nigerian separatist group to promote actions leading to violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria. These activities were reportedly coordinated from Finland, primarily through his social media channels.

Alongside Ekpa, four other individuals were arrested on suspicion of financing terrorist activities. All five suspects were apprehended earlier in the week preceding November 21, 2024.

This arrest marks Ekpa’s second detention by Finnish authorities; he was previously detained in February 2023 on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released the same day.

Nigerian authorities have renewed calls for Ekpa’s extradition, accusing him of terrorism and extremism. The Nigerian military has praised the arrest, expressing hope that Ekpa will face justice in Nigeria. Helsinki Times

Ekpa’s activities have been a source of international concern, straining diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Finland. His involvement in the Biafran independence movement continues to be a contentious issue, highlighting ongoing debates over regional autonomy and national unity within Nigeria.

Views: 30