Pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa, arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, is expected to face charges by May 2025, according to Finnish authorities.
A Senior Detective Superintendent from Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, confirmed that the district court has set a May 2025 deadline for prosecutors to file charges in the case.
Ekpa, along with four others, was recently detained on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism. Finnish police allege that Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, used social media platforms to encourage violence targeting civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region.
When asked about the case’s progression, Laaksonen stated, “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed. The date for bringing possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.”
He also noted that Ekpa and Finnish authorities could request a re-evaluation of the case after two weeks. “In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” he explained.
The case has drawn widespread international attention, with authorities emphasizing the importance of cross-border cooperation in the investigation. However, officials declined to elaborate on the nature of this collaboration, citing the sensitivity of the case.
Ekpa became widely known for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which were enforced violently, leading to attacks on residents. His earlier arrest in February 2023 stemmed from allegations of inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders in Nigeria’s South-East. These activities prompted petitions from Nigerians urging both Finnish and Nigerian authorities, along with the European Union, to intervene.
Following his arrest, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement acknowledging the development as a critical step in curbing IPOB’s activities and mitigating security threats linked to transnational actors.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the arrest of Mr. Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and neutralizing the influence of transnational actors on our national security,” the ministry stated.
ALSO READ:
- https://www.ktnn.ng/simon-ekpa-arrested-in-finland-over-terrorism-activities/
- https://www.ktnn.ng/enugu-government-reacts-to-simon-ekpas-arrest-calls-him-terrorist-with-no-knowledge-of-biafra/
Ekpa’s detention has sparked reactions in Nigeria. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, described the arrest as a step toward reducing violence in the South-East. Speaking in an interview, Abaribe accused Ekpa and his followers of exploiting the Biafra agitation for criminal purposes, diverging from the peaceful approach initially advocated by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“The arrest of Simon Ekpa is welcome because it sends a clear message to those instigating violence. IPOB originally sought a non-violent referendum, but criminals have hijacked the movement,” Abaribe said.
Amid these developments, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel for IPOB, called for unity and peaceful approaches to resolving grievances. Responding to rumors about a planned Biafran declaration on December 2, Ejiofor dismissed the claims as baseless and emphasized that freedom cannot be achieved through violence or deceit.
“There’s no truth to the so-called December declaration. Let us restore peace in our land. True liberation can only come through lawful and peaceful means,” Ejiofor stated.
He also urged South-East residents to reject divisive narratives and avoid supporting fraudulent agitators. According to Ejiofor, the Igbo people must reconcile and pursue justice without resorting to violence.
“Freedom can never be won through violence, fraud, or abuse. It’s time to work together for reconciliation and peace in Igbo land,” he concluded.
Meanwhile, Finnish authorities have linked Ekpa to several coordinated attacks targeting civilians and security forces, with investigations tracing activities back to 2021. Ekpa’s alleged use of social media for incitement and fundraising remains a critical element of the case.
The sit-at-home orders enforced by the Eastern Security Network (ESN) under his influence reportedly caused significant economic disruptions in the South-East, with losses exceeding ₦4 trillion over two years.
As legal proceedings in Finland progress, Nigeria’s Federal Government has pledged to closely monitor developments.
