Pro-Biafran separatist leader Simon Ekpa is scheduled to stand trial in Finland by May 2025, according to Finnish authorities. Ekpa, who was arrested along with four others on charges of terrorism-related activities, is currently held at the Päijät-Häme District Court.
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent with Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed the trial timeline, stating that the district court set the date for potential charges to be brought by May 2025. He also noted that both Ekpa and Finnish authorities could request a re-evaluation of the case within two weeks if necessary.
Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, faces multiple serious allegations, including incitement to violence, terrorism financing, and inciting public crimes with terrorist intent. Finnish authorities claim that Ekpa used social media platforms to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and security personnel. His actions are said to have contributed to economic losses exceeding ₦4 trillion due to enforced sit-at-home orders and increased insecurity.
The arrests are part of an ongoing investigation that has involved international cooperation. While specific details of cross-border efforts remain undisclosed, Ekpa’s arrest has drawn significant attention due to his influence over the unrest in Nigeria. Ekpa, who styles himself as the "Prime Minister" of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is notorious for advocating boycotts of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to violence and disruptions.
Finnish Central Criminal Police have linked Ekpa to coordinated attacks against civilians and security forces in Nigeria since 2021. Social media is believed to have played a central role in inciting violence and raising funds for his activities.
Ekpa’s arrest has been welcomed by Nigerian officials as a significant move toward curbing violence in the South-East. Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of closely monitoring the legal proceedings in Finland, with spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa calling the arrest "a critical step in addressing IPOB’s activities and neutralizing the influence of transnational actors on our national security."
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, also supported the arrest, asserting that it would send a message to those behind the violence instigated by Ekpa. He condemned Ekpa’s actions, stating, "He has only exploited the Biafran agitation to perpetrate crimes."
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