Pro-Biafran activist, Simon Ekpa, arrested in Finland in late 2024 on allegations of terrorism-related activities, is scheduled to appear in a Finnish court in June 2025.
Ekpa, a prominent figure advocating for Biafra’s secession, faces charges related to inciting violence and financing terrorism.
The Finnish Government announced his arrest alongside four others in November 2024, highlighting that they were under investigation for their roles in terror-related activities.
Finnish police have confirmed that the pro-Biafra activist, who styles himself as the ‘prime minister’ of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly utilised social media platforms to incite violence against both civilians and authorities in the South East.
Reports from local publication Yle indicate that Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
Additionally, Finnish authorities have imposed sanctions on Ekpa, freezing his assets and economic resources, along with 16 others due to their suspected involvement in terrorism-related activities.
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Initially represented by lawyer Ilkka Kopra, Ekpa has since engaged a new legal representative, Kaarle Gummerus.
Gummerus confirmed that he has received the pre-trial case file and is preparing for the upcoming trial.
Reporting the development, the BBC Pidgin said it reached out to Simon Ekpa’s new lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, to find out the current status of the case and when Ekpa will be taken to court for trial.
“The lawyer confirmed that he has received the pre-trial file of the case and they will go through it to decide what to do next.
However, when we asked him when Simon Ekpa will appear in court, he said the case will go to court in June 2025,” the BBC Pidgin said.
