Simon Ekpa Risks Six Years in Prison as Prosecutor Commences Terrorism Trial in Finland
Finnish prosecutors have demanded a minimum six-year prison sentence for Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish political activist, as his trial on terrorism-related charges commenced at the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti on Friday.
Ekpa, who is widely known for his association with the self-styled Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and his vocal separatist advocacy online, faces multiple charges including participation in a terrorist organization, agitation for terrorism, and public incitement to commit criminal acts.
Ekpa, a former athlete and legal resident of Finland, rose to prominence in recent years through online broadcasts and social media campaigns supporting the secession of southeastern Nigeria under the Biafra cause.
He is alleged to have used digital platforms from his residence in Finland to call for sit-at-home orders, protest actions, and violent resistance, particularly across Nigeria’s South-East region.
Finnish authorities began investigating Ekpa in 2023 following complaints from the Nigerian government and reports linking his rhetoric to a wave of deadly unrest and economic disruptions in the region.
He was arrested in November 2024 by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (KRP).
The Finnish prosecution contends that Ekpa’s sustained advocacy and incitement efforts meet the legal threshold for terrorism-related crimes under Finnish law, even though the alleged acts took place outside Finland. Prosecutors argue that his influence encouraged acts of violence and public disorder, leading to loss of life, destruction of property, and the obstruction of lawful governance in Nigeria.
“The impact of the defendant’s actions, though orchestrated from abroad, had real and violent consequences,” said lead prosecutor Tommi Juntunen during opening arguments.
The state seeks at least six years in prison, asserting that Ekpa’s role was not incidental but central to the activities of a movement engaging in acts tantamount to terrorism.
Ekpa, who appeared in court alongside his attorney Kaarle Gummerus, pleaded not guilty to all charges. His defense team criticized the prosecution’s reliance on media reports and documentation provided by Nigerian authorities, questioning their credibility and the political motivations behind them.
“We deny all allegations. Our client’s activism is rooted in peaceful self-determination and expression protected by law. This trial should not be used as a tool to settle international political disputes,” Gummerus stated.
Ekpa maintains that his actions constitute legitimate political expression aimed at drawing attention to what he describes as systemic oppression and injustice in Nigeria.
The case is being closely watched both in Finland and internationally, as it marks the first terrorism-related trial in Finnish history involving a foreign political conflict.
Legal experts say it could set a precedent for how Finland handles extraterritorial crimes and politically sensitive international cases.
The Finnish government has repeatedly emphasized that the judiciary operates independently, and the trial will proceed based on the merits of evidence presented.
The trial is expected to continue over the coming weeks, with testimony from Finnish investigators, legal experts, and potentially witnesses from Nigeria, either in person or via digital testimony. A verdict is not expected before late summer.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government and several advocacy groups, both supporting and opposing Ekpa’s ideology, continue to monitor the case with keen interest.
