Prosecutors handling the case of pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, in Finland are seeking a six-year prison sentence for him if found guilty.
Ekpa’s trial for terrorism charges began on Friday in the Päijät-Häme District Court, with the accused appearing for a preparatory hearing on terrorism-related charges, Finnish local news medium, Yle, reports.
The prosecutor was said to have provided the court substantial evidence of Ekpa’s digital communications and activities.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.
The prosecution also acknowledged the challenges in gathering reliable information, noting that much of the suspected criminal activity occurred in Africa.
In addition to terrorism-related accusations, the court is reviewing allegations of aggravated tax fraud and suspicions that Ekpa may have ordered weapons for pro-Biafra groups.
But Ekpa, through his legal representative, Kaarle Gummerus, denied the charges.
Gummerus expressed concern over the credibility of information obtained from Nigerian sources.
Yle reports that Ekpa was remanded in custody by the court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
The case has been jointly investigated by Finnish police and Nigerian authorities.
In November 2024, Finnish government announced the arrest of Ekpa alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, described as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities.
