Finland has commenced the terrorism trial of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian separatist leader, at the Päijät-Häme District Court. Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen, was arrested in November 2024 on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
The prosecutors allege that Ekpa used social media to incite violence and cause unrest in Nigeria's southeast region as part of his secessionist agitation for Biafra. They are demanding a six-year prison sentence, citing evidence of his online activity and communications.
During interrogations, Ekpa denied allegations of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups. Ekpa is known for his affiliation with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a separatist group advocating for the independence of Nigeria's southeast.
Notably, Ekpa has also served as a local representative of Finland's conservative National Coalition Party in Lahti, where he held a position on the city's public transport committee. The trial is ongoing.
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