-Deborah Akinyosoye
Pro-Biafran separatist leader Simon Ekpa is set to stand trial in Finland by May 2025, Finnish authorities have announced.
Ekpa, who was arrested alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related activities, remains in custody at the Päijät-Häme District Court.
Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen of Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation confirmed the trial timeline.
“The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025,” he said, according to Punch.
Laaksonen added that both Ekpa and Finnish authorities could request a re-evaluation of the case in two weeks if necessary.
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.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, described the arrest as “a critical step in addressing IPOB’s activities and neutralising the influence of transnational actors on our national security.”
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, also welcomed the development.
Speaking on Channels Television, Abaribe criticized Ekpa’s methods, saying, “The arrest of Simon Ekpa is very welcome because this will tell those purveyors of violence instigated by Simon Ekpa that he is not serious. He has only exploited the Biafran agitation to perpetrate crimes.”