Pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, appeared in the Päijät-Häme District Court on Friday for a preparatory hearing on terrorism-related charges.
A Finnish local news medium, Yle, reports.
The Finnish government in November 2024 announced the arrest of Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, described as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities.
According to Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
According to the report, prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence, citing substantial evidence of Ekpa’s digital communications and activities.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.
However, the prosecution also acknowledged the challenges in gathering reliable information, noting that much of the suspected criminal activity occurred in Africa.
The case has been jointly investigated by Finnish police and Nigerian authorities.
Ekpa, through his legal representative Kaarle Gummerus, has denied the charges. His lawyer expressed concern over the credibility of information obtained from Nigerian sources.
In addition to terrorism-related accusations, the court is reviewing allegations of aggravated tax fraud and suspicions that Ekpa may have ordered weapons for pro-Biafra groups.
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