Simon Ekpa to remain in prison as Finnish court sets date for trial

Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafran activist, is set to face potential charges in May 2025, following his recent arrest in Finland over alleged terrorism-related activities.

Finnish authorities, through Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at the National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that prosecutors have until May to present charges in the case.

Ekpa, who is referred to as the “self-proclaimed Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was apprehended alongside four others last week. The suspects are accused of incitement to violence, financing terrorism, and other terror-related activities.

Finnish police stated that Ekpa allegedly used social media to encourage violent actions in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities.

Local media outletYlereported that the Päijät-Häme District Court remanded Ekpa on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

The Finnish Central Criminal Police also disclosed that the other suspects are being investigated for allegedly financing terrorism. While the investigation is ongoing, Laaksonen noted that further details cannot be shared at this time.

Asked when Ekpa’s case would come up in court, he replied, “Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed.

“The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025.”

He noted that Ekpa and the Finnish authorities may request a re-evaluation after two weeks.

“In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained.

The case has drawn significant international attention, with Finnish authorities confirming that cross-border cooperation is integral to the investigation.

However, officials have refrained from providing further information about the nature or extent of the international collaboration.

“International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case but no further comments can be given on the subject at this point,” the NBI stated.

Ekpa gained notoriety for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to violent enforcement measures and attacks on residents.

He was first arrested in February 2023 for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other South-East residents.

The suspect’s activities prompted global petitions from Nigerians urging the Finnish and Nigerian governments, as well as the European Union, to take action.

In response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Leena Pylvanainen, to demand Finland’s cooperation in addressing the threats posed by Ekpa.

Last Thursday, the District Court of Päijät-Häme, Finland, ordered that Ekpa be imprisoned “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”

Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, was accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, while the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism.

As a prominent figure in the separatist Indigenous People of Biafra, he has championed a controversial call for an independent Biafran state.

His rhetoric escalated in recent years, with explicit endorsements of violence and disruptions to Nigerian elections.

Finnish authorities have linked Ekpa to coordinated attacks targeting civilians and the security forces, with investigations tracing some of these activities back to 2021.

His use of social media as a platform for incitement and fundraising is a central element of the case.

The sit-at-home orders enforced by the ESN had caused devastating economic consequences in the South-East.

According to reports, the region has lost over ?4trn in two years due to these activities and the resulting insecurity.

On the heels of Ekpa’s detention, the Federal Government said it would monitor the legal proceedings in Finland.

In a statement by the spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, on Friday, the government described Ekpa’s arrest as a critical step in addressing IPOB’s activities and mitigating the influence of transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirms that the arrest of Mr Simon Ekpa is a significant development in addressing the activities of IPOB and also neutralising the influence of transnational actors on our national security.

“The ministry will continue to monitor the legal proceedings and provide further updates as the case progresses,” the statement read.

Checks by The PUNCH revealed that his X handle (@simon_ekpa) had been inactive for seven days.

Meanwhile, the Senator representing Abia South, Enyinnaya Abaribe, has hailed the arrest of Ekpa in Finland as a significant step toward curbing violence in the South-East.

Abaribe, who spoke in an interview on Channels Television on Monday, expressed hope that Ekpa’s detention would discourage those instigating unrest in the region.

Abaribe accused Ekpa and his followers of exploiting the Biafra agitation to perpetrate crimes, deviating from the peaceful ideals of the Indigenous People of Biafra.

“The arrest of Simon Ekpa is something that is very welcome because this will tell all those people at home, who are purveyors of violence and instigated by Simon Ekpa that he actually said that he is just a content creator and not a serious person,” he said.

The senator stressed that IPOB originally sought a non-violent referendum but lamented how criminals have co-opted the movement to unleash mayhem.

“And what has happened is that a legitimate quest by the IPOB seeking a non-violent referendum was turned by all these kidnappers because they have found a key because, to average Igbo people, when you say Biafra, you must be doing the right thing.

“Whatever they say they are doing in the south-east is not supported by anybody in the south-east. All you have is a band of criminals.

“Also, our security agencies find it difficult to discern between a criminal and somebody who is saying he is doing agitation. So, every little thing that happens, they would say it is IPOB,” Abaribe explained.

Speaking on the purported plot by IPOB to declare the Republic of Biafra on December 2, the counsel for the group, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, called for peace and unity in the South-East, urging those involved in violence and false agitations to abandon their divisive actions.

The lawyer dismissed rumours circulating on social media about the planned Biafran declaration, reassuring that the day would pass without incident.

Ejiofor in a statement on Monday advised residents of the region to reject the baseless claims surrounding the event, emphasizing that freedom cannot be achieved through violence.

The lawyer cautioned those being misled by Ekpa, whom he described as a “serial fraudster.”

He urged individuals deceived by Ekpa’s claims to reconsider their actions and cease supporting the false narrative.

He reflected on the criticism he had faced in the past for opposing these claims, noting that time has proven him right.

“I have always maintained that lies, deceit, fraud, treachery, and criminality have an expiration date. When the truth reaches its breaking point, it is inevitable: It is game over!

“To those still clinging to the baseless December declaration, rest assured, December will come and go uneventfully.

“In the past, when fanatical claims about fighter jets and warships were peddled as obvious tools for self-aggrandizement by the serial fraudster in Finland, I warned those willing to listen that they have been swindled.

“My stance earned me severe criticism, threats, and defamation. But today, where do we stand? It is time for those who profess to have been deceived by an unrepentant serial fraudster to pause, reflect, and retreat,” he admonished.

Ejiofor further emphasized the need for peace in Igbo land, calling on the people to work towards reconciliation and avoid violence in their quest for justice.

He acknowledged the political marginalisation of the Igbo people but insisted that true liberation could only be achieved through peaceful and lawful means.

He added, “Let us restore peace in our land, so the custodians of Igbo heritage can seek ways to appease the gods for the atrocities committed against our people.

“There is indeed no gainsaying that Ndigbos are deeply marginalised in the Nigerian political setting and system, however, true struggles for the liberation of the oppressed must reject violence, fraud, criminality, and abuse as strategies.

“Freedom can never be won through such means. There’s absolutely no wisdom in cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face.”

(Punch)