A Finnish court has announced that Simon Ekpa, the pro-Biafran separatist leader, will face trial by May 2025. Ekpa, who was arrested alongside four others for suspected terrorism-related activities, remains in custody while awaiting his trial at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland.
Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent from Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed the trial timeline.
He stated, “The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.” Laaksonen also mentioned 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, is facing serious charges including inciting violence, financing terrorism, and encouraging crimes with terrorist intent.
Finnish police claim that Ekpa used social media platforms to incite violence in Nigeria’s southeastern region, targeting both civilians and government officials.
His activities have reportedly contributed to significant economic losses, with damages exceeding ₦4 trillion due to enforced sit-at-home orders and increasing insecurity in the region.
The arrest of Ekpa was part of a wider international investigation that involved cooperation between multiple countries.
Though Finnish authorities have not shared specifics about these cross-border efforts, Ekpa’s arrest has gained considerable attention because of his alleged role in fueling unrest in Nigeria. Ekpa is known for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, a campaign that led to widespread violence and disorder.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police have linked Ekpa to several coordinated attacks on civilians and security forces in Nigeria since 2021. These attacks, allegedly coordinated through social media, included fundraising efforts for his actions.
The arrest has been welcomed by the Nigerian government, which sees it as an important move toward addressing violence in the country’s southeastern region.
Kimiebi Ebienfa, a spokesperson for Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, called the arrest “a critical step in addressing IPOB’s activities and neutralizing the influence of transnational actors on our national security.”
Nigerian senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, also supported the arrest, calling it a sign that Ekpa’s violent actions were not taken seriously.
Abaribe added, “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.”
