Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, appeared before the Paijat Hame District Court in Finland on Friday to face a string of terrorism-related charges.
The Finnish authorities allege that Ekpa’s online activities, conducted from Finland, amount to terrorism under Finnish law and are linked to violent separatist agitation in southeastern Nigeria.
State Prosecutor Sampsa Hakala told the court, “We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications.”
The charges against Ekpa are extensive. They include unlawful threats, aggravated invasion of public premises, public incitement to commit an offence, aggravated assault, hostage-taking, and directing a terrorist group. Some of the offences carry penalties ranging from four months to twelve years in prison.
Other charges brought against him include the preparation of terrorist acts, financing terrorism, provision of terrorist training, and recruitment for criminal purposes.
The Finnish prosecution said investigations have been conducted jointly with Nigerian authorities, underlining the international scope of the offences and the cooperation between the two countries.
Ekpa’s lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, questioned the reliability of intelligence and claims emanating from Nigeria. However, prosecutors pushed back, noting that terrorism is a globally recognised crime under UN conventions and must be treated with cross-border urgency.
Ekpa has argued he is merely a content creator, but Finnish authorities presented evidence of substantial casualties and destruction allegedly linked to his broadcasts and directives to supporters in Nigeria.
Security sources say his arrest and prosecution have significantly disrupted funding streams for the separatist movement, particularly the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which he is accused of aiding.
“Many of his donors have come to realise they were supporting a criminal enterprise,” a senior official said.
“They have since redirected their contributions to legitimate philanthropic causes.”
If found guilty, Simon Ekpa faces a possible concurrent prison sentence ranging from six to twelve years.
His trial is expected to resume in the coming weeks.
