Finland Begins Terrorism Trial Against Simon Ekpa [Video]

Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish political activist and pro-Biafra campaigner, appeared in court on Friday as the Finnish government began his terrorism trial at the Päijät-Häme District Court.

Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in November 2024, is being tried over allegations of encouraging violence and financing terrorism, mainly through his online activities tied to the Biafran separatist movement.

Authorities claim he used social media to spread messages that sparked unrest in Nigeria’s South-East.

Prosecutors are asking for a six-year prison sentence, saying his actions meet the legal definition of terrorism under Finnish law.

“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.

Ekpa, however, denied the claims during questioning. He specifically rejected accusations of supplying weapons to any pro-Biafra groups.

Meanwhile, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), where Ekpa is referred to as the “Prime Minister,” declared a two-day sit-at-home protest in Nigeria’s South-East in solidarity with him.

The group described him as a freedom fighter who has made great sacrifices for the Biafran cause.

“We confirm that these two days are significant in the lives of all Biafrans living at home and abroad. Our Prime Minister Simon Ekpa has been detained by the Finnish government since November 2024; imperatively, he will appear in Finnish court on May 29 and so Biafrans should honour him as a hero of our time who has sacrificed his life for Biafra,” the group said.

Ekpa, who holds dual citizenship in Finland and Nigeria, is linked to a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group pushing for the independence of the South-East region.

He also once served in a political role for Finland’s conservative National Coalition Party in Lahti, where he was part of the city’s transport committee.

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KanyiDaily recalls that Nigeria’s Defence Headquarters said that Simon Ekpa will be extradited to Nigeria to face terrorism charges.