Biafran political activist, Simon Ekpa, has appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Friday, to answer to charges of terrorism.
Ekpa, who has long been at the centre of secessionist agitation for an independent Biafra, was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024.
Simon faces serious allegations, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Prosecutors claim he used his social media platforms to spread messages inciting unrest and violence in South-East region of Nigeria, activities which may qualify as terrorism under Finnish law.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said Finnish state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala, while confirming that the prosecution is seeking a six-year prison sentence for Ekpa.
During earlier interrogations, Ekpa reportedly denied accusations of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups or funding violent operations.
Meanwhile, in solidarity with their leader, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), of which Ekpa serves as Prime Minister, declared a two-day lockdown across Nigeria’s South-East region to coincide with his court appearance.
In a statement, the group said: “We confirm that these two days are significant in the lives of all Biafrans at home and abroad.
“Our Prime Minister Simon Ekpa has been detained by the Finnish government since November 2024, and he will appear in court on May 29. Biafrans should honour him as a hero who has sacrificed his life for Biafra.”
The trial has drawn widespread attention both in Nigeria and among the Igbo Diaspora, with opinions sharply divided over Ekpa’s influence and the growing security challenges in South-Eastern region of Nigeria.
Simon Ekpa, a former local councillor from Lahti, appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court.
Ekpa is accused of participating in a terrorist organisation and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes. Prosecutors allege that he has been actively involved in a separatist movement seeking independence for the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria. The prosecution argues that the activity, conducted online and coordinated from Finland, may constitute terrorism under Finnish law.
Prosecutors are demanding a six-year prison sentence for Ekpa.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.
The prosecution, however, acknowledged that obtaining detailed information about the alleged terrorism-related acts is difficult, as they are believed to have taken place in Africa.
During the pre-trial hearing on Friday, Ekpa’s lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, also raised concerns about the reliability of information coming from Nigeria. Finnish police have investigated the case together with Nigerian authorities.
During police interviews, Ekpa denied the charges, which also included suspicions of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups. The district court is also examining allegations of aggravated tax fraud.
Born in Biafra, Ekpa moved to Finland in 2007 as an athlete.
He has been a member of the National Coalition Party (NCP) and served on Lahti’s public transport board.
