Meet Simon Ekpa, a trailblazing Finnish politician and fervent Biafran activist, born on March 21, 1985. He gained prominence for boldly declaring the activation of the Biafra Government In Exile (BGIE) in 2022 and later assuming the role of self-proclaimed “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) in 2023. Through his unwavering commitment, Ekpa champions the Biafran independence movement from Finland, leveraging his platform as lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra following Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest, and fueling the quest for self-determination and sovereignty.
Wiki
Full Name: Ekpa Simon Njoku
Date of Birth: March 21, 1985
Place of Birth: Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State
Origin: Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State
Nationality: Nigerian, Finnish
Occupation: Lawyer, Activist & Separatist, Athlete(fmr.), Politician
Net Worth: $4 Million
Early Life & Career
Simon Ekpa was born on March 21, 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, a region once part of the self-declared Biafra during the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). Raised in a prominent family, Ekpa is the son of the late King Nwangbo, also known as Ogaba Idu of the Ngbo clan, and Lolo Nwangbo. His upbringing in a community with a rich cultural and historical background greatly influenced his later activism. Ekpa hails from the southeastern part of Nigeria, a region with deep-rooted ties to the Biafran movement, which seeks to restore the Biafran republic that was short-lived due to the Nigerian Civil War.
After completing his high school education, Ekpa moved abroad for higher studies. He enrolled at Aberystwyth University in Wales, where he earned a Master’s degree in Law. He further pursued his academic interests by attending the ABMS Education Group in Switzerland, obtaining a PhD in Business Law. Ekpa also studied Law at Canyon College, further cementing his academic background in the field of law.
Ekpa’s early years also saw him involved in athletics, where he achieved significant success. In 2003, he won the silver medal for Nigeria in the 100 meters at the African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon. However, due to a knee injury, he had to retire from athletics. Despite his success, Ekpa later denounced Nigeria and returned his medals, officially renouncing his Nigerian citizenship in 2022. His renouncement was a symbolic step in his growing disillusionment with the Nigerian government and his commitment to the Biafran cause.
In 2007, Ekpa moved to Finland, where he became a naturalized citizen, learned the Finnish language, and integrated into the Finnish community. In 2012, he became active in Finnish politics, running as a candidate in the 2017 municipal elections and again in the 2022 Finnish county elections under the National Coalition Party of Finland. Ekpa’s involvement in Finnish society was not limited to politics, as he also served in the Finnish military, completing his service at the Häme Regiment in Hennala in 2013, and later became a reservist in the Finnish Army.
Simon Ekpa is a prominent figure in the Biafran independence movement and currently serves as the designated Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). As a vocal advocate for Biafran self-determination, Ekpa has positioned himself as one of the key leaders championing the restoration of the Biafra State. In addition to his political endeavors, Ekpa is the founder and CEO of Ekpa & Co Oy , a law firm based in Finland, specializing in immigration law. He resides in Lahti, Finland, where he continues to balance his political activism with his professional and personal life.
Ekpa’s legal career dates back to 2009, during which he worked as a legal advisor. Despite his extensive work in the legal field, it has been confirmed that Ekpa is not a licensed attorney in Finland and does not represent clients in court. His entry into the legal profession reportedly began during an internship at his ex-wife’s law office. Ekpa has often claimed to hold a Master of Law (LLM) degree from Aberystwyth University in Wales and to be an expert in legal advisory services. However, inquiries by the Finnish media outlet Yle revealed that the university could not provide confirmation of his degree, and there is no evidence of him holding any formal legal qualifications. Despite these controversies, Ekpa has built a reputation as a legal consultant, focusing primarily on immigration-related issues.
In Finland, Ekpa has held several notable community positions. He was the Chairman of the Igbo Union Finland from 2015 to 2019 and served as the Chairman of the Playground Board in Lahti, Finland, from 2017 to 2021. His active participation in these organizations showcased his commitment to both his Nigerian heritage and his integration into Finnish society. In addition to his political roles, Ekpa also works as a public transport officer in the Lahti region, continuing to contribute to the Finnish community.
Activism
Simon Ekpa became active in the Biafran independence movement in 2019, gaining attention after posting a video alleging that Nigerian soldiers had been killed by Boko Haram to discourage Nigerians, particularly soldiers, from supporting the Nigerian Army. In July 2021, he was named the lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra, a platform associated with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). However, his tenure was short-lived due to alleged rule violations, and IPOB later accused him of illegal activities, emphasizing their stance as a peaceful organization. Ekpa subsequently claimed that IPOB was dissolved and rebranded as “Autopilot,” where he emerged as its spokesman. In 2022, he declared the “full activation” of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), followed by his appointment in 2023 as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), headquartered in Maryland, USA.
Ekpa’s activism has been marked by controversial directives, including “sit-at-home” orders to protest the detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. These orders, often enforced by armed groups, led to widespread fear, economic disruption, and occasional violence in southeastern Nigeria. While Ekpa denies involvement in violence against civilians, his rhetoric and actions have drawn criticism from both Nigerian authorities and international observers. Nigerian officials have accused him of fueling attacks on civilians and security forces, leading to calls for his extradition from Finland, where he resides. Despite these allegations, Ekpa has continued to advocate for Biafran independence, organizing conventions, declaring lockdowns, and promoting the creation of the “United States of Biafra.”
In 2024, the BRGIE announced plans for a Biafra referendum and issued a proposed map for a sovereign Biafran state. Ekpa also announced the formation of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), a militant wing reportedly involved in violent clashes with Nigerian security forces. While IPOB has distanced itself from Ekpa and his methods, he continues to command a significant following.
Controversies
Simon Ekpa’s political activism and rhetoric have not been without significant controversy. On November 21, 2024 , he was arrested and subsequently imprisoned in Finland on charges of alleged terrorist activities. According to Finnish authorities, Ekpa’s online statements and broadcasts were linked to incitement of violence in Nigeria, including attacks on civilians and government forces. Authorities claimed that his activities were coordinated internationally from Finland, and investigations led to the arrest of four other individuals allegedly involved in terrorist offenses.
This marked Ekpa’s second run-in with Finnish authorities. In 2023, he was detained on suspicion of illegal fundraising but was released shortly afterward. However, the latest charges against him were far more severe, leading to his remand in custody by the “District Court of Päijät-Häme” for public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. These developments underscore the increasingly contentious nature of Ekpa’s political activities and their ramifications both in Nigeria and internationally.
Awards and Recognition
In recognition of his efforts to promote African representation and advocate for peace, the Universal Peace Federation awarded Ekpa the title of ‘Ambassador for Peace’ during the African Day Celebration held in Helsinki, Finland, on May 25, 2023. This award highlights his influence beyond the legal and political spheres, emphasizing his commitment to raising awareness about the Biafran cause.
Social Media
Simon Ekpa’s political and legal activities have garnered him a significant following on social media platforms. On X (formerly Twitter), he has amassed over 188,000 followers (@simon_ekpa), where he frequently shares updates on the Biafran independence movement and engages with supporters.
Personal Life
Simon Ekpa maintains a relatively private personal life despite his public profile. He is married to a Finnish woman, with whom he shares a son, Prince Adam Ekpa. The couple has kept their relationship largely out of the spotlight, refraining from disclosing details about their marriage or family life. The family resides in Lahti, Finland, where they lead a quiet domestic life amidst the ongoing political controversies surrounding Ekpa.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Simon Ekpa’s estimated net worth is approximately $4 million, derived from his legal consultancy work, business ventures, and his influential role within the Biafran political movement.
