Finnish authorities have begun the terrorism trial of Simon Ekpa, a controversial Finnish politician and pro-Biafra activist, who appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court on Friday.
Ekpa was apprehended in November 2024 by the Finnish government on suspicions linked to terror-related offenses, including inciting violence and funding terrorism.
The charges against him stem from alleged use of social media platforms to promote unrest and violence in Nigeria’s South-East region as part of his ongoing campaign for Biafran independence.
Prosecutors are pushing for a six-year prison sentence, asserting that Ekpa’s actions could meet the threshold of terrorism under Finnish law.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” stated state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala during court proceedings.
Ekpa, however, has denied any involvement in arms procurement for pro-Biafra groups and refuted other allegations during his interrogation sessions.
Meanwhile, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, where Ekpa holds the title of Prime Minister, declared a two-day lockdown in Nigeria’s South-East to coincide with his court appearance.
“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 declared in a statement.
The trial has drawn international attention, as it highlights the intersection of diaspora activism and national security concerns.