Biafra’s Simon Ekpa Faces May 2025 Court Hearing in Finland Over Terrorism Charges
By CHUKWUMA OFILLI
The Finnish government intensified investigations into the activities of the pro-Biafran agitator, with charges linked to incitement, violence, and terrorism financing.
Simon Ekpa Scheduled for 2025 Court Appearance
Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran activist arrested in Finland on suspicion of terrorism-related activities, is set to face charges by May 2025, according to Finnish authorities. Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen of Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) confirmed the timeline in an email to The PUNCH on Tuesday.
Ekpa, along with four others, was apprehended for alleged activities including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. The Finnish Central Criminal Police linked Ekpa to the promotion of violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, where he allegedly used social media to coordinate attacks on civilians and authorities.
Details of Ekpa’s Detention
Local Finnish publication Yle reported that the Päijät-Häme District Court ordered Ekpa’s remand on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Finnish authorities also disclosed that other suspects were arrested for allegedly financing these activities.
Detective Laaksonen explained that the investigation remains ongoing, with limited details available at this stage. However, the court has allowed the possibility of re-evaluating Ekpa’s case two weeks after the initial hearing if requested by involved parties.
Cross-Border Investigations and Reactions
Finnish authorities acknowledged the involvement of international cooperation in their investigation, though specific details remain undisclosed. This development comes after Ekpa gained global notoriety for inciting boycotts of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections and enforcing violent sit-at-home orders, leading to widespread disruption and economic losses estimated at ₦4 trillion in the South-East.
Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its commitment to monitoring the legal proceedings in Finland. The Ministry spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, described Ekpa’s arrest as a critical step in curbing IPOB-related activities and mitigating transnational threats to Nigeria’s national security.
Public and Political Responses
Nigerian Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe welcomed Ekpa’s arrest, describing it as a significant move to reduce violence in the South-East. “The arrest will discourage those exploiting Biafra agitation to perpetrate crimes,” Abaribe said in a Channels Television interview.
Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel for IPOB, dismissed rumors of a December declaration of Biafra, urging unity and a rejection of violence. He criticized Ekpa as a “serial fraudster” misleading supporters and emphasized the need for peace and lawful advocacy for justice.
Looking Ahead
Simon Ekpa’s case highlights the growing international scrutiny of separatist movements using transnational platforms for alleged incitement and funding. Finnish authorities, in collaboration with international partners, are investigating the broader implications of his activities, while Nigerian officials continue to advocate for peace and security in the affected regions.
