Simon Njoku Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian political activist and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on May 30, 2025, to face terrorism-related charges. The Finnish government has charged him with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent and participation in a terrorist group. ( Premium Times Nigeria , Premium Times Nigeria )
Prosecutors allege that Ekpa has been actively involved in a separatist movement seeking independence for the Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria. They argue that their activities, conducted online and coordinated from Finland, may constitute terrorism under Finnish law. The prosecution is demanding a six-year prison sentence for Ekpa. ( Yle.fi , The Guardian Nigeria )
State prosecutor Sampsa Hakala stated, "We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual's online activity and communications." However, the prosecution acknowledged the difficulty in obtaining detailed information about the alleged terrorism-related acts, as they are believed to have taken place in Africa. ( Yle.fi )
During police interviews, Ekpa denied the charges, which also included suspicions of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups. His lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, raised concerns about the reliability of information coming from Nigeria. ( Yle.fi , Premium Times Nigeria )
In addition to the terrorism charges, the district court is examining allegations of aggravated tax fraud against Ekpa. ( Yle.fi )
Ekpa, born on March 21, 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, moved to Finland in 2007. He has been a member of the National Coalition Party (NCP) and served on Lahti's public transport board. ( Wikipedia , Yle.fi )
The trial is ongoing, and further developments will be reported as they unfold.
