Finnish authorities have announced that Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafran activist, will remain in custody as his trial is scheduled to begin in May 2025.
Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, has been a persistent challenge for the Nigerian government, advocating for a controversial independent Biafran state.
According to Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, the district court has set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to file potential charges against Ekpa.
Laaksonen confirmed that the investigation is ongoing and that no further details can be shared at this time.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, no additional information can be disclosed. The district court has set May 2025 as the date for the prosecution to present possible charges,” he stated.
He further explained, “In standard circumstances regarding remand, the next hearing can occur no sooner than two weeks after the previous one, should the involved parties request a re-evaluation by the district court.”
Finnish authorities also emphasized that cross-border cooperation is crucial to the investigation. However, officials have refrained from discussing the nature or extent of this international collaboration.
The Finnish government announced Ekpa’s arrest alongside four others on suspicions of terrorism-related activities, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism. Finnish police reported that Ekpa allegedly utilized social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting both civilians and authorities.
He is accused of inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to the Igbos and other residents of the South-East.
