TERRORISM: FINNISH PROSECUTORS SEEK 6-YEAR JAIL TERM FOR SIMON EKPA
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Agency report
Finnish prosecutors handling the case of pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa are seeking a six-year prison sentence should he be found guilty of terrorism charges.
Ekpa is currently on trial for alleged terrorism-related offenses and appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court on Friday for a preparatory hearing, according to Finnish news outlet Yle.
Prosecutors reportedly presented significant evidence, including digital communications and online activities linked to Ekpa, to support the charges.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.
The prosecution conceded that obtaining reliable information has been difficult, as much of the alleged criminal activity took place in Africa.
Beyond the terrorism charges, the court is also considering accusations of aggravated tax fraud and allegations that Ekpa may have procured weapons for pro-Biafra groups.
Through his lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, Ekpa has denied all the charges, with Gummerus questioning the trustworthiness of evidence sourced from Nigeria.
According to Yle, the court ordered Ekpa held in custody on charges of publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.
Finnish police and Nigerian authorities have conducted a joint investigation into the matter.
In November 2024, the Finnish government announced Ekpa’s arrest alongside four others on suspicions of terror-related offenses, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
Authorities allege that Ekpa—who styles himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile—used social media to advocate violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and officials.
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