Finnish authorities have announced that Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafra activist, will stand trial in May 2025 on charges related to alleged terrorist activities.

Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish dual citizen and leader of the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested on November 21, 2024, in Finland, alongside four other individuals.

Finnish police accuse Ekpa of financing terrorism, inciting public crimes with terrorist intent, and violating the country’s Money Collection Act. Investigations indicate these activities took place between August 2021 and November 2024 in Lahti, Finland. Authorities claim Ekpa’s actions fueled violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria.

The District Court of Päijät-Häme has ordered Ekpa’s detention pending trial, citing probable cause. Finnish authorities have stated that prosecutors have until May 2025 to formalize the charges.

Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen confirmed that international cooperation is ongoing in the case, though further details remain confidential due to the nature of the investigation.

Ekpa has been linked to instability in southeastern Nigeria, where he issued controversial sit-at-home orders often enforced by violence.

The Nigerian government accuses him of inciting civilian deaths and widespread disruption in the region. Ekpa has also used social media to promote secessionist agendas, solicit funds, and take responsibility for attacks in Nigeria.

Efforts by the Nigerian government to extradite Ekpa for prosecution have been unsuccessful. In February 2023, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish ambassador, raising concerns over Ekpa’s threats to disrupt the country’s elections.

Finnish officials acknowledged the situation but emphasized their commitment to upholding Finnish law and Ekpa’s citizenship rights.