Finnish authorities have announced that Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran separatist leader, will face trial in May 2025 on charges related to inciting violence and terrorist activities in Nigeria. Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent of Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that the Päijät-Häme District Court has set the deadline for prosecutors to submit formal charges against Ekpa.

Laaksonen noted that after a remand hearing, any further court sessions could occur within two weeks, depending on whether either party requests a review by the district court. Finnish media previously reported that Ekpa, who refers to himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government, was remanded in custody over allegations of inciting public violence with terrorist intent.

Finnish Central Criminal Police accused Ekpa of leveraging social media platforms to encourage attacks on civilians and government personnel in Nigeria’s South-East. In a November 21 statement, Finnish police disclosed that Ekpa and four other individuals were detained on suspicion of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. Four additional suspects are accused of financing terrorist activities. According to the police, these activities have contributed to violence against civilians and authorities in the South-East region of Nigeria.

The head of the investigation, Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, stated that Ekpa has used social media as a platform to promote violence. The investigation involves international cooperation, highlighting the cross-border nature of the allegations.

Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, resides in the Lahti region and is an active member of the National Coalition Party (NCP), serving on the local public transport committee. His arrest followed a series of violent attacks in Nigeria’s South-East, allegedly carried out by members of the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).