Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa (born 21 March 1985) is a Nigerian-Finnish lawyer, political activist and former athlete.[1] Ekpa is alleged to have incited violence in southeastern Nigeria.[2][3]

Not to be confused with Simeon Ekpe.
Simon Ekpa
Born (1985-03-21) 21 March 1985[1]
Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State[1]
NationalityNigerian
Other namesIfeanyi Njoku
CitizenshipFinland
EducationAberystwyth University, Wales
OccupationLawyer
Years active2021–present
MovementLiberation of Biafra
Websiteenterbiafra.com

Life

Ekpa was born on 21 March 1985 in Ohaukwu local government area of Ebonyi State.[2][1] Prior to his activism, he won a silver medal for Nigeria in 100 meters in the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon.[1] Ekpa has lived in Lahti, Finland since 2007. He is a member of the National Coalition Party of Finland, and was a candidate in the 2022 Finnish county elections.[4]

According to reporting by Yle, Simon Ekpa's activism started to gather mainstream attention in February 2023. Finland, with calls to investigate his activities and to determine if his alleged incitement fills the legal definitions for incitement against ethnic groups. The local Kokoomus parti in Lahti stated that they have started an internal investigation of these claims. Orji Anya Odim, representing the association Igbo Union Finland, stated in the same interview, "He should stop inciting hatred and provoking. Ekpa does not represent the Igbo people of Finland".[5] The Nigerian government has also demanded Finland stop Ekpa's activities.[6] Many live in fear in Nigeria of Ekpa. Yle travelled to Enugu to interview locals. When Ekpa has issued "stay at home" orders involving the coming Nigerian election, many in Enugu seem to heed this. Some, however, said they would go despite the stay at home orders.[7] In late February 2023 Yle reported Ekpa is being suspected of having raised funds in an illegal manner, by the Keskusrikospoliisi.[8]

Career

Ekpa is a Nigerian Finnish-based lawyer. He rose to prominence when he was made lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra, associated with the separatist organisation Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after the arrest of political activist Nnamdi Kanu.[1][9] After some weeks, he was sacked as the lead broadcaster[10] citing violation of the rules of the organisation.[11]

References
  1. TheCable (8 December 2021). "CLOSE-UP: Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu's Finland-based disciple and king of fake news". TheCable. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  2. Sobowale, Rasheed (16 April 2022). "Violence in South East: Who's Simon Ekpa?". Vanguard. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  3. Ukwu, Jerrywright (13 December 2022). "12 people killed as Simon Ekpa's sit-at-home order turns bloody in southeast". Legit.ng. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  4. Parkkari, Jani (16 February 2023). "Lahtelainen kunnallispoliitikko johtaa aseellista kapinaa Nigeriassa – määrännyt miljoonat ihmiset boikotoimaan vaaleja" (in Finnish). Yle. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  5. Original quote "Hänen tulisi lopettaa vihan lietsominen ja provosointi. Ekpa ei edusta Suomen igboja", https://yle.fi/a/74-20018561
  6. "Hämeen kokoomus selvittää separatistijohtaja Simon Ekpan toimintaa Nigeriassa – Suomessa asuvat maanmiehet irtisanoutuvat väkivallasta". Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 2023-02-17. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  7. "Yle Nigeriassa: Miljoonat pysyvät kotona joka maanantai, kun Simon Ekpa Lahdesta käskee – pelko on seudulla kouriintuntuvaa". Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 2023-02-18. Retrieved 2023-02-20.
  8. https://yle.fi/a/74-20019590
  9. "Ihe Finland kwuru maka ebubo na Simon Ekpa na-akpalite tigbuo-zogbuo n'Ọwụwa Anyanwụ". BBC News Ìgbò (in Igbo). 2023-01-21. Retrieved 2023-02-09.
  10. Njoku, Lawrence (22 July 2021). "IPOB sacks Simon Ekpa as Radio Biafra broadcaster". The Guardian. Enugu. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  11. Reporters, Sahara (26 May 2022). "EXCLUSIVE: IPOB Accuses Nnamdi Kanu's Self-proclaimed Disciple, Simon Ekpa Of Working With Nigerian Politicians, Security Agencies To Kill Igbo People". Sahara Reporters. New York. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
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