Pro-Biafran separatist leader Simon Ekpa is set to stand trial in Finland by May 2025. Ekpa, who was arrested alongside four others on suspicion of
Pro-Biafran separatist leader Simon Ekpa is set to stand trial in Finland by May 2025.
Ekpa, who was arrested alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related activities, remains in custody at the Päijät-Häme District Court.
A Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, Ekpa faces serious allegations, including incitement to violence, terrorism financing, and public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
Finnish police allege that Ekpa used social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities.
His activities reportedly contributed to economic losses exceeding ₦4 trillion due to enforced sit-at-home orders and growing insecurity in the region.
The arrests were part of a broader investigation requiring international cooperation.
While Finnish authorities have not disclosed further details about cross-border efforts, Ekpa’s arrest has drawn attention due to his influence on the ongoing unrest in Nigeria.
Self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, Ekpa gained notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to violence and unrest.
Finnish Central Criminal Police have linked him to coordinated attacks on civilians and security forces in Nigeria since 2021, with social media playing a pivotal role in incitement and fundraising for his alleged activities.
Ekpa’s arrest has been hailed as a major step in addressing violence in Nigeria’s South-East. The Federal Government expressed its intent to monitor the legal proceedings in Finland closely.
