Kehinde Fajobi
Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran agitator arrested in Finland on terrorism-related allegations, is scheduled to face potential charges in May 2025, according to Finnish authorities.
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), confirmed to The PUNCH via email on Tuesday that prosecutors have until May next year to file charges against Ekpa.
“The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025,” Laaksonen explained.
He added that Ekpa or the Finnish authorities could request a review two weeks after each remand hearing.
Ekpa was arrested alongside four others last week on suspicion of terrorism-related offences, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
Finnish police allege that Ekpa, who styles himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, used social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East.
The Päijät-Häme District Court has remanded Ekpa on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
Finnish police said the other suspects were detained for allegedly financing terrorism.
Laaksonen emphasised that the investigation is ongoing and international cooperation is integral. However, officials have refrained from disclosing further details about the cross-border collaboration, The Punch reports.
Ekpa first gained notoriety for issuing sit-at-home orders in Nigeria’s South-East and calling for a boycott of the 2023 elections.
These activities triggered violent enforcement measures and widespread insecurity, leading to global petitions for action against him.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Nigeria had previously summoned the Finnish Ambassador, Leena Pylvanainen, to seek Finland’s cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa.
Last week, the Finnish court reiterated that Ekpa was detained on suspicion of inciting crimes with terrorist intent.
The government also confirmed links between Ekpa and violent attacks targeting civilians and security personnel in Nigeria, with some incidents traced back to 2021.
Ekpa’s actions have caused severe economic disruptions in the South-East. Reports estimate that the region has lost over ₦4 trillion in two years due to sit-at-home orders and associated violence.
The Nigerian government welcomed Ekpa’s detention, with Foreign Affairs Ministry spokesperson Kimiebi Ebienfa describing it as a step toward addressing IPOB’s influence.
“The arrest of Mr Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and neutralising the influence of transnational actors on our national security,” Ebienfa said.