Finnish prosecutors have formally charged Simon Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian national, with inciting terrorism online in connection with his separatist activities for Nigeria's Biafra region, according to a statement released on Friday by Finland's National Prosecution Authority (NPA).

The charges specifically include "public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and participation in the activities of a terrorist group," the prosecution authority stated. The alleged offenses reportedly occurred in the city of Lahti between 2021 and 2024.

While the NPA did not explicitly name the accused in their statement, Finnish public broadcaster YLE identified him as Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic's government in exile. Ekpa has been in custody since his detention in November and has denied all charges, according to prosecutors.

The prosecution has dropped charges against four other individuals initially implicated in the case, citing insufficient evidence.

Ekpa, who maintains both Finnish and Nigerian citizenship, has also been politically active in Finland as a local representative for the conservative National Coalition Party in Lahti, where he served on a public transport committee.

The case has drawn attention from Nigerian authorities, with previous reports suggesting potential extradition processes. However, Nigeria's Attorney General of the Federation had earlier clarified that no formal extradition request had been made against Ekpa.

This development marks a significant escalation in the international response to separatist activities related to the Biafra movement, which advocates for the independence of southeastern Nigeria.