Finnish authorities have set May 2025 as the trial date for Simon Ekpa, the pro-Biafran separatist leader. Ekpa faces charges of terrorism-related activities, including inciting violence in Nigeria's South-East. His arrest is seen as a step towards addressing security concerns and transnational influence on Nigeria's unrest.
A Finnish court has set May 2025 as the trial date for Simon Ekpa, the leader of the pro-Biafran separatist movement, accused of terrorism-related activities. Ekpa, who was arrested with four others on suspicion of inciting violence and financing terrorism, faces charges related to his social media advocacy for violence in Nigeria’s South-East.
According to Mikko Laaksonen, a senior official from Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, the court has set a tentative deadline for the trial, with the possibility for both Ekpa and the authorities to request a re-evaluation of the case after two weeks. The trial follows months of investigation, including international cooperation, linking Ekpa’s actions to coordinated attacks on civilians and security forces in Nigeria since 2021.
Ekpa, who calls himself the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, had previously incited boycotts during Nigeria’s 2023 elections, contributing to unrest and over ₦4 trillion in economic losses in the region. His use of social media to spread violent ideologies is central to the charges.
The Federal Government of Nigeria welcomed the arrest, which it sees as a crucial step in countering violence in the South-East and weakening the influence of foreign actors on national security. Nigerian officials, including Kimiebi Ebienfa, from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, commended the move to curb Ekpa's activities. Meanwhile, the IPOB counsel rejected violence and divisive actions while pushing for peaceful resolutions.
