Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran agitator arrested in Finland on charges related to terrorism, is expected to face trial in May 2025, according to Finnish authorities.
Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed on Tuesday, November 26, that the district court had set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to present potential charges against Ekpa.
Last week, the Finnish government announced the arrest of Ekpa, along with four others, on suspicion of involvement in terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, self-described as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is accused of using social media to incite violence in the South-East region, with the intent of targeting both civilians and authorities.
Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in a statement last Thursday, November 21, adding that the other suspects were detained for financing terrorist activities.
Detective Laaksonen provided an update on the case, stating that the investigation is still ongoing and that no further details could be released at this time.
“The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.”
He noted that Ekpa and the Finnish authorities may request a re-evaluation after two weeks.
“In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained.
The case has attracted considerable international attention, with Finnish authorities confirming that cross-border cooperation is a key aspect of the investigation.
However, officials have withheld further details regarding the nature and scope of the international collaboration involved.
“International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case but no further comments can be given on the subject at this point,” the NBI stated.
Ekpa gained notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which resulted in violent enforcement measures and attacks on residents.
He was initially arrested in February 2023 for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other residents of the South-East.
His actions sparked global petitions from Nigerians urging the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take action.
In response, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Finland’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, to demand Finland’s cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa.
Last Thursday, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland ordered Ekpa’s imprisonment with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, is accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges related to financing terrorism.
A prominent figure in the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ekpa has been a vocal advocate for the controversial cause of an independent Biafran state.
In recent years, Ekpa’s rhetoric has become increasingly extreme, with explicit endorsements of violence and efforts to disrupt Nigerian elections.
Finnish authorities have linked him to coordinated attacks targeting both civilians and security forces, with investigations tracing some of these activities back to 2021.
A key aspect of the case is Ekpa’s use of social media as a platform for inciting violence and raising funds.
The sit-at-home orders enforced by the Eastern Security Network (ESN) have had devastating economic effects in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The region has lost over N4 trillion in the past two years due to these activities and the ensuing insecurity.
On the heels of Ekpa’s detention, the Federal Government said it would monitor the legal proceedings in Finland.
In a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Friday, November 22, the government described Ekpa’s arrest as a critical step in addressing IPOB’s activities and mitigating the influence of transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the arrest of Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and also neutralising the influence of transnational actors on our national security.
“The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement read.
Meanwhile, the Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has hailed the arrest of Ekpa in Finland as a significant step toward curbing violence in the South-East.
Abaribe accused Ekpa and his followers of exploiting the Biafra agitation to perpetrate crimes, deviating from the peaceful ideals of the Indigenous People of Biafra.
“And what has happened is that a legitimate quest by the IPOB seeking a non-violent referendum was turned by all these kidnappers because they have found a key because, to average Igbo people, when you say Biafra, you must be doing the right thing.
“Whatever they say they are doing in the south-east is not supported by anybody in the south-east. All you have is a band of criminals.
“Also, our security agencies find it difficult to discern between a criminal and somebody who is saying he is doing agitation. So, every little thing that happens, they would say it is IPOB,” Abaribe explained.
Commenting on the plan by IPOB to declare the Republic of Biafra on December 2, the group’s counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, called for peace and unity in the South-East, urging those engaging in violence and false agitations to abandon their divisive actions.
Ejiofor dismissed rumors circulating on social media about the planned Biafran declaration, assuring that the day would pass without incident.
In a statement on Monday, November25, he urged residents of the region to reject the baseless claims surrounding the event, stressing that true freedom cannot be achieved through violence.
The lawyer cautioned those being misled by Ekpa, whom he described as a ”serial fraudster.”
He urged individuals deceived by Ekpa’s claims to reconsider their actions and cease supporting the false narrative.
He reflected on the criticism he had faced in the past for opposing these claims, noting that time has proven him right.
“I have always maintained that lies, deceit, fraud, treachery, and criminality have an expiration date. When the truth reaches its breaking point, it is inevitable — game over!”
“To those still clinging to the baseless December declaration, rest assured, December will come and go uneventfully.
“In the past, when fanatical claims about fighter jets and warships were peddled as obvious tools for self-aggrandizement by the serial fraudster in Finland, I warned those willing to listen that they have been swindled.
“My stance earned me severe criticism, threats, and defamation. But today, where do we stand? It is time for those who profess to have been deceived by an unrepentant serial fraudster to pause, reflect, and retreat,” he admonished.
Ejiofor further emphasized the need for peace in Igbo land, urging the people to focus on reconciliation and avoid violence in their pursuit of justice.
While acknowledging the political marginalization of the Igbo people, he insisted that true liberation could only be achieved through peaceful and lawful means.
He added, “Let us restore peace in our land, so the custodians of Igbo heritage can seek ways to appease the gods for the atrocities committed against our people.
“There is indeed no gainsaying that Ndigbos are deeply marginalised in the Nigerian political setting and system, however, true struggles for the liberation of the oppressed must reject violence, fraud, criminality, and abuse as strategies.
“Freedom can never be won through such means. There’s absolutely no wisdom in cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.”
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