Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra agitator, has been arrested in Finland over alleged terrorism-related activities.
Finnish authorities have set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to bring charges against him.
According to Mikko Laaksonen, a senior detective at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, the Päijät-Häme District Court made this decision.
Ekpa is accused of using social media to encourage violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting both civilians and authorities.
Last week, Finnish police arrested Ekpa along with four others. The police allege that these individuals were involved in financing terrorism and promoting violence. Ekpa, who claims to be the “Prime Minister” of a self-declared Biafran government-in-exile, faces accusations of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
Authorities are investigating his activities, including sit-at-home orders and election boycotts in Nigeria, which led to violence and significant economic losses.
Finnish officials have confirmed working with international partners on this case but have not revealed further details.
Simon Ekpa’s arrest has drawn attention globally. The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has praised the action and promised to monitor the legal process.
Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe also welcomed the arrest, stating it could reduce violence in the South-East and expose those exploiting the Biafra movement for personal gain.
Meanwhile, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, a lawyer for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has called for peace in the South-East.
He dismissed claims about a planned Biafran declaration on December 2 and urged people to reject violence and focus on peaceful solutions.
This trial could mark a turning point in addressing the impact of separatist activities in Nigeria.
