The Finnish government on Friday officially commenced the terrorism trial of Nigerian-Finnish national and self-styled Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland.
Ekpa, who leads a faction of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was charged by Finnish authorities on May 16 with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent and participation in a terrorist group.
The charges stem from his alleged use of social media platforms to incite violence and unrest in Nigeria’s South-east region, where his faction of IPOB has enforced several sit-at-home orders, resulting in widespread disruption and loss of life.
State prosecutor Sampsa Hakala stated that a substantial body of evidence exists detailing Ekpa’s online activities and communications, which the prosecution argues meet the criteria for terrorism under Finnish law. Prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence for the separatist leader.
Ekpa, who was arrested in November 2024 following a formal request from the Nigerian government, denied all allegations during interrogations, including claims that he ordered weapons for pro-Biafra armed groups.
His arrest and trial mark a significant moment in ongoing efforts to curb foreign-based support for violent secessionist activities in Nigeria. The case has drawn attention from both Finnish and Nigerian authorities as concerns grow over cross-border incitement and the influence of diaspora-based agitators.
The trial continues in Finland, with more hearings expected in the coming weeks.
