Premium News
SIMON EKPA IN FINNISH COURT FACES TERRORISM CHARGES
Finnish politician and Biafra political activist, Simon Ekpa, has appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Friday, as his trial on terrorism-related charges officially begins, News360 Nigeria reports.
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.
