Terrorism charges: Finnish court sets May 2025 for Simon Ekpa’s prosecution

A Finnish court has set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to formally charge Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafran agitator, with terrorism-related offenses.

The update was confirmed by Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, on Tuesday.

Ekpa, known for declaring himself the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested last week alongside four others. The charges include incitement to violence and financing terrorism. Finnish authorities allege that Ekpa used social media platforms to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East, targeting both civilians and government officials.

Local media outlet Yle reports that Ekpa remains in custody on charges of public incitement to commit terrorist acts. The Finnish Central Criminal Police also revealed that the other suspects are accused of funding terrorism. Detective Laaksonen emphasized that the investigation is ongoing but withheld further details.

When asked about the timeline for Simon Ekpa’s court case, he stated, “Due to the ongoing investigation, no additional information can be shared. The district court has scheduled May 2025 for the prosecution to present possible charges.”

Laaksonen added that both Ekpa and the Finnish authorities could request a re-evaluation of the case after two weeks.

“In typical remand situations, a re-evaluation hearing can occur no earlier than two weeks from the last hearing, should the involved parties request it,” he explained.

However, officials refrained from elaborating on the scope of this collaboration.
“International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case, but no further comments can be made at this stage,” the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated.

Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, became infamous for advocating a boycott of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which triggered violent enforcement actions and attacks on residents.

Arrested in February 2023 for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders in Nigeria’s South-East, Ekpa’s activities prompted global petitions urging Finnish and Nigerian authorities, as well as the European Union, to intervene.

In response to Ekpa’s actions, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Finnish Ambassador Leena Pylvanainen to demand Finland’s cooperation.

Last Thursday, the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered Ekpa’s detention on suspicion of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

Ekpa faces charges of incitement, while his associates are accused of financing terrorism.