Crime

Details of Date fixed for Simon Ekpa’s Terrorism Trial in Finland Amid Global Scrutiny

Published by admin on November 28th, 2024.

Details of Date fixed for Simon Ekpa’s Terrorism Trial in Finland Amid Global Scrutiny

Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafran agitator and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, is set to face trial in May 2025, Finnish authorities confirmed.

Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent with Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), told The PUNCH on Tuesday that the district court had set the deadline for prosecutors to present charges against Ekpa in May 2025.

Ekpa, who was arrested alongside four others last week, is accused of being involved in terrorism-related activities, including inciting violence and financing terrorism. Finnish police have said that Ekpa used social media to promote violent actions in Nigeria’s South-East region, inciting both civilians and law enforcement officers to engage in conflict.

The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed that Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The other suspects arrested are facing allegations of funding terrorist activities.

When asked about the case’s status, Laaksonen said the investigation was ongoing and declined to provide further details. He confirmed, however, that the district court had scheduled May 2025 as the date for prosecutors to formally present charges against Ekpa. He also noted that a review hearing could take place two weeks after the initial court date, should either party request it.

The case has garnered international attention, with Finnish authorities stating that the investigation involves cross-border cooperation, though no details were provided on the specifics of the international collaboration.

Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, gained prominence for his calls to boycott Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to widespread violence and disruptions across the South-East region. His incitement activities, including enforcing sit-at-home orders and promoting violence through online platforms, are believed to have had devastating economic impacts, with the region reportedly losing over ₦4 trillion in two years due to these actions.

In response to Ekpa’s arrest, the Nigerian government expressed support for the legal proceedings in Finland. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Ekpa’s detention was a significant step in addressing the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and curbing the influence of transnational actors on Nigeria’s security. The ministry pledged to continue monitoring the case and provide updates as it progresses.

Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, representing Abia South, welcomed Ekpa’s arrest, calling it an important move toward reducing violence in the South-East. Abaribe criticized Ekpa’s exploitation of the Biafran cause, noting that IPOB’s initial non-violent agenda had been hijacked by criminals.

Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, counsel for IPOB, dismissed rumors about a planned Biafran declaration on December 2, urging peace and unity in the South-East. He warned against the false claims made by Ekpa and other agitators, stressing that freedom cannot be achieved through violence or deceit.

Ejiofor also reaffirmed that true liberation for the Igbo people could only be attained through peaceful, lawful means, rejecting the use of criminality and fraud in the pursuit of political goals.