Finnish Court Sets Date For Appearance Of Pro-Biafran Activist Simon Ekpa
Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland alongside four others, is expected to face trial in June 2025. The case is ongoing, with both parties potentially requesting a re-evaluation after two weeks.
AFinnish court has set a trial date for Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran activist and promoter of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), amid charges related to alleged terrorist activities.
Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland alongside four others, is expected to face trial in June 2025. The case is ongoing, with both parties potentially requesting a re-evaluation after two weeks.
According to BBC Pidgin, Simon Ekpa, who is the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, will appear in court in June, quoting his new lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, who confirmed that he had received the pre-trial file of the case and was studying it to prepare for a robust defence.
Ekpa was arrested for alleged terror-related offences, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. Following his arrest, the Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his remand in custody on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
In December 2024, it was reported that the Nigerian government had formally submitted the necessary requirements to the Government of Finland for the extradition of Ekpa.
In an interview with Channel TV, Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, stated that all necessary documentation and legal requirements for Ekpa’s extradition had been forwarded to Finland for review.
Musa stated, “Well, I’m sure he’s cooling off somewhere,” while speaking about the arrest of the separatist leader.
He continued, “Legal action will be taken accordingly. I don’t want to say too much, but I’m glad he’s been arrested. The Federal Government has provided most of the required documentation to the Finnish Government, so I’m confident the right steps will be taken.”
