Finnish Court Sets Trial Date for Pro-Biafran Leader Simon Ekpa
Finnish authorities have announced that Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran separatist, will stand trial in May 2025 on terrorism-related allegations.
Ekpa, leader of the self-styled Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested last week alongside four others for allegedly inciting violence and financing terrorism.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police accused Ekpa of using social media platforms to promote attacks targeting civilians and government personnel in Nigeria’s South-East region.
A Päijät-Häme District Court has ordered his detention on charges of public incitement with terrorist intent, linking him to sit-at-home orders that have caused economic hardship in the region.
Authorities believe Ekpa’s directives, enforced by the Eastern Security Network, fueled insecurity and disrupted daily activities. Finnish police confirmed the investigation involves international cooperation but withheld further details.
Ekpa, who has faced global criticism for his actions, previously opposed Nigeria’s 2023 elections, which led to violent enforcement of his sit-at-home orders. His arrest has drawn renewed attention to calls for intervention from Nigeria, the EU, and human rights organizations.
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