Finnish prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence for pro-Biafra separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, if found guilty of terrorism-related charges.
Ekpa appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court on Friday for a preparatory hearing, where he is facing multiple charges, including terrorism, aggravated tax fraud, and suspected involvement in weapons procurement.
According to local Finnish news outlet Yle, prosecutors presented substantial evidence related to Ekpa’s digital communications and online activities, which they claim were used to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said Finnish state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.
Hakala admitted that collecting reliable evidence was difficult because much of the alleged criminal activity took place in Africa, far from Finnish jurisdiction.
Ekpa, through his lawyer Kaarle Gummerus, denied all charges. Gummerus raised concerns about the reliability of information supplied by Nigerian authorities, suggesting it may be biased or inaccurate.
The court is also looking into allegations that Ekpa ordered weapons for pro-Biafra groups and committed serious tax fraud.
Ekpa, who is known as the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested in November 2024 along with four others in Finland. Finnish police confirmed that he is suspected of using social media platforms to incite violence and coordinate attacks in Nigeria’s South-East, where several killings and unrest have been reported in recent years.
He was also charged with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent and has remained in custody since his arrest.
The case is being jointly investigated by Finnish authorities and Nigerian security agencies due to its international nature and the impact of Ekpa’s alleged activities in Nigeria.
Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen, rose to prominence after taking over as a spokesperson for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following the arrest of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. He has since been a vocal and controversial figure, especially online, where he regularly makes statements calling for sit-at-home protests and resistance against Nigerian security forces.
IPOB has repeatedly denied involvement in violent acts, but Nigerian authorities hold the group and its offshoots responsible for attacks on police stations, government buildings, and civilians in the South-East.
The case continues in a Finnish court, with more hearings expected in the coming weeks.
