A Finnish court has announced that the trial of pro-Biafran separatist leader Simon Ekpa will commence by May 2025. Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, was arrested alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related activities and remains in custody at the Päijät-Häme District Court .
Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen of Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation confirmed the trial timeline, stating that the district court set May 2025 as the deadline for the prosecution to file possible charges. Laaksonen added that both Ekpa and Finnish authorities can request a re-evaluation of the case in two weeks if necessary.
Ekpa faces serious allegations, including incitement to violence, terrorism financing, and public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. Finnish police allege that Ekpa used social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities. His activities reportedly contributed to economic losses exceeding ₦4 trillion due to enforced sit-at-home orders and growing insecurity in the region.
The arrests were part of a broader investigation requiring international cooperation. While Finnish authorities have not disclosed further details about cross-border efforts, Ekpa’s arrest has drawn attention due to his influence on the ongoing unrest in Nigeria.
