The self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related actions, is expected to stand trial in May 2025, according to Finnish officials.
Mikko Laaksonen, a senior detective superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, revealed on Tuesday that the district court has set a May 2025 deadline for prosecutors to bring criminal charges against Ekpa.
Last Monday, the Finnish government announced the arrest of Ekpa and four others on suspicion of terrorist-related crimes such as incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Finnish police stated that Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, reportedly utilised social media to incite violence in the southeast region, specifically targeting citizens and officials.
According to local media Yle, Ekpa was remanded in detention by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to perform a terrorist act.
According to the journal, the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in a statement last Thursday, adding that the other individuals were seized for allegedly financing terrorist activities.
Detective Laaksonen provided an update on the case in response to questions, stating that the investigation was ongoing and that no further information could be revealed.
When asked when Ekpa’s case will be heard in court, he said, “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed.”
“The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.”
He mentioned that Ekpa and the Finnish authorities may request a re-evaluation 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,” Laaksonen explained.
The case has received widespread international attention, with Finnish authorities acknowledging that cross-border collaboration is essential to the inquiry.
However, officials have declined to provide any information regarding the nature or scope of the international collaboration.
“International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case, but no further comments can be given on the subject at this point,” the NBI stated.
Ekpa’s calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections resulted in violent enforcement measures and attacks on residents.
He was arrested in February 2023 for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other South-East residents.
Nigerians worldwide petitioned the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union to take action.
In reaction to his arrest, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, to demand Finland’s cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa.
Last Thursday, the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered Ekpa imprisonment “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, stands accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism.
As a prominent figure in the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), he has championed a controversial call for an independent Biafran state.
His rhetoric escalated in recent times, with explicit calls for violence and disruptions to Nigerian elections.
Finnish authorities have linked the embattled IPOB member to coordinated attacks targeting civilians and the security forces, with investigations tracing some of these activities back to 2021.
