Finnish prosecutors are pushing for a six-year prison sentence for pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, if convicted of terrorism-related charges.
Ekpa appeared on Friday before the Päijät-Häme District Court for a preparatory hearing. Finnish news outlet Yle reported that the prosecution presented extensive digital evidence, including online communications and activities, linking Ekpa to the alleged crimes.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.
The prosecution acknowledged difficulties in collecting reliable information, citing that much of the suspected criminal activity took place in Africa.
Alongside terrorism charges, the court is also examining allegations of aggravated tax fraud and suspicions that Ekpa ordered weapons for pro-Biafran groups.
Ekpa, through his lawyer Kaarle Gummerus, denied all charges. Gummerus raised concerns over the credibility of intelligence obtained from Nigerian sources.
Yle reported that the court has remanded Ekpa on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The case is a joint investigation between Finnish and Nigerian authorities.
Ekpa, who describes himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested in November 2024 along with four others. He is accused of using social media to incite violence and fund terrorism in Nigeria’s South-East, allegedly targeting both civilians and security forces.
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