Simon Ekpa Biography: Age, Wiki, Nationality, State Of Origin, Career, Biafra, Wife, Son, Net Worth
Simon Ekpa Biography
Simon Ekpa is a Finnish-Nigerian lawyer, political activist, and former athlete. He was born on March 21, 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Ekpa is known for his involvement in the Biafra independence movement and serves as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), an organization that advocates for the independence of Biafra, a region in West Africa that declared independence from Nigeria from 1967 to 1970.
He gained prominence after becoming the lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra following the arrest of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu. However, he was dismissed from this role within the same month for violating the organization’s rules. Ekpa has also been involved in controversy due to allegations of inciting violence through social media and has faced legal scrutiny in Finland.
Ekpa has lived in Finland since 2007, where he completed his military service and started a family. He pursued higher education in law and has been active in Finnish local politics as a member of the National Coalition Party.
Simon Ekpa Age
Simon Ekpa is 39 years old as of 2024.
Simon Ekpa State Of Origin
Simon Ekpa hails from Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria.
Simon Ekpa Nationality
Simon Ekpa holds dual nationality; he is both Nigerian and Finnish.
Simon Ekpa Early Life and Education
Simon Ekpa was born on March 21, 1985. His childhood in Nigeria set the stage for his future athletic and academic pursuits. As a young athlete, Ekpa demonstrated his prowess on the track by winning a silver medal for Nigeria in the 100 meters at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon.
Following his success in athletics, Ekpa turned his focus towards higher education. He embarked on an academic journey that led him to Aberystwyth University, where he pursued a Master’s degree in Law.
In 2007, Ekpa’s life took a significant turn as he moved to Lahti, Finland. This move was not just a change of location but also a cultural and educational transition. In Finland, he learned the Finnish language, completed military service, and started a family.
Ekpa’s educational background was further enriched by additional studies at Canyon College, although the specifics of this part of his education require clarification.
Simon Ekpa Career
Simon Ekpa started his career as an athlete representing Nigeria, where he showcased his sprinting abilities by securing a silver medal in the 100 meters at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon.
Transitioning from athletics, Ekpa moved to Finland in 2007, a decision that marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life. In Finland, he embraced the local culture, completed his military service, and started a family. His time in the Finnish military at the Häme Regiment in Hennala was a period of growth and learning, and he continues to serve as a reservist in the Finnish Army.
Ekpa’s academic pursuits in law at Aberystwyth University and additional studies at Canyon College equipped him with a robust legal foundation. His expertise in immigration law led him to establish Ekpa & Co Oy, a law firm specializing primarily in this field.
In the realm of politics, Ekpa’s engagement is evident through his membership in the National Coalition Party of Finland. His political aspirations were demonstrated when he ran as a candidate in the 2022 Finnish county elections. As of 2023, he serves as a city councillor in Lahti, actively participating in local governance and contributing to the community.
Ekpa’s activism is closely tied to his identity and heritage. He became a prominent figure in the Biafra independence movement after being appointed as the lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra. Although his tenure was brief due to a dismissal for violating organizational rules, his involvement brought him into the spotlight of separatist activism.
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Simon Ekpa Controversie
Simon Ekpa has been involved in several controversies, particularly related to his role as a leader within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for the independence of the Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria. Here are some of the key controversies:
Arrest in Finland: Ekpa was arrested at his home in Finland due to allegations of using social media to incite violence. He leads a faction of IPOB, which has been linked to deadly attacks in southeastern Nigeria. He was later released after questioning, and Finnish police are investigating possible offenses, including a money-collection offense.
Incitement Allegations: Ekpa has been accused of using his platform to instigate an agenda against the Nigerian state and has allegedly called for violence through social media. His comments have stirred up controversies within the South-East region of Nigeria and have caused disaffection among the Igbos, as well as between the Igbos and other tribes in Nigeria.
Legal Scrutiny: The Nigerian government has repeatedly called on Finland to intervene and prevent Ekpa from continuing his activities. He has been accused by the Nigerian government of leading an armed revolt in the Biafra region
Fundraising Suspicions: Finnish authorities suspect Ekpa of having raised funds in an illegal manner. This suspicion is part of the ongoing investigations by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation.
Simon Ekpa Wife and Son
Simon Ekpa is married to a Finnish woman, and together they have a son named Prince Adam Ekpa. The family resides in Lahti, Finland.
Simon Ekpa Net Worth
Simon Ekpa’s estimated net worth is reported to be around $4 million. This valuation is attributed to his extensive career in Finland as a politician, businessman, and legal professional specializing in immigration law.