HELSINKI — Finnish prosecutors have requested a six-year prison sentence for Simon Ekpa, a prominent separatist figure linked to the pro-Biafra movement, as terrorism proceedings against him continue to unfold in Finland’s Päijät-Häme District Court.
Ekpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian national and vocal leader of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is facing multiple charges, including incitement to terrorism, aggravated tax fraud, and possible involvement in arms procurement for separatist militias operating in Nigeria’s South-East.
At Friday’s preparatory hearing, Finnish state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala said the prosecution had compiled “a great deal of evidence” relating to Ekpa’s online communications and digital activities.
Much of that material, prosecutors claim, shows a pattern of calls to violence against Nigerian civilians and security personnel.
However, the case is legally complex. Authorities admit that significant parts of the suspected criminal activity occurred outside Finland’s jurisdiction, primarily in Africa raising concerns about the reliability of cross-border evidence and the scope of international cooperation.
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“The investigation has not been without challenges, especially in verifying information from outside the EU,” Hakala noted.
The case has required close collaboration between Finnish law enforcement and Nigerian authorities, reflecting growing international efforts to clamp down on transnational terrorism networks and extremist propaganda disseminated through digital platforms.
Ekpa, who was arrested in November 2024 along with four others, has denied all charges through his lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus.
The defense has questioned the credibility of the evidence obtained from Nigerian sources, suggesting political motives may be behind some of the accusations.
Despite the defense’s objections, Finnish police say the case meets the threshold for prosecution.
Authorities believe Ekpa used social media platforms to incite violence and coordinate attacks in Nigeria’s South-East, where separatist violence has escalated in recent years.
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The Finnish government has taken a cautious yet firm stance, stressing its legal obligation to investigate and prosecute any terrorism-related activities conducted from its territory, regardless of where the effects are felt.
“This case is a test of Finland’s commitment to international counterterrorism norms,” said a senior Nordic security analyst, speaking anonymously. “It also underscores the increasing role of digital platforms in fuelling conflict abroad.”
Ekpa, who styles himself as the “Prime Minister” of a government-in-exile not recognized by any state, remains in custody on charges of public incitement to terrorism.
The trial is expected to continue over the coming months as prosecutors present more detailed evidence.
The outcome could set a precedent for how EU member states deal with diaspora figures allegedly involved in foreign-based insurgencies and raise broader questions about the responsibilities of host nations in policing cross-border extremism originating online.
