Finnish authorities have scheduled a trial for Simon Ekpa, a controversial Nigerian-Finnish citizen and pro-Biafra agitator, in May 2025.
Ekpa was arrested on 21 November alongside four other suspects on suspicion of terrorist activities.
The Finnish police have accused Ekpa of “contributing to violence and crimes against civilians in South-eastern Nigeria.” The District Court of Päijät-Häme ordered his imprisonment “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
As the head of Autopilot, a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ekpa has been a prominent figure in the separatist movement seeking an independent state of Biafra from South-east and parts of South-south Nigeria.
The group has been linked to deadly attacks in the region, though IPOB has consistently denied involvement.
Interestingly, hours after Ekpa’s arrest, the IPOB faction loyal to Nnamdi Kanu disowned him, stating he was never their member.
The Finnish police suspect Ekpa of collecting money in violation of the Finnish Money Collection Act, with alleged crimes committed between 23 August 2021 and 18 November 2024 in Lahti.
Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen from Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation confirmed the May 2025 deadline for prosecutors to present charges.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed,” Laaksonen stated.
He added that Ekpa and Finnish authorities may request a re-evaluation of the deadline after two weeks.
The Nigerian government claimed its “sustained diplomatic pressure” resulted in Ekpa’s arrest, highlighting “high-level engagements between countries.” Laaksonen confirmed international cooperation in the investigation.
Born on 21 March 1985 in Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Ekpa has been notorious for issuing sit-at-home orders in south-east Nigeria, with residents facing potential attacks for non-compliance.
He has extensively used social media platforms, particularly X, to push secessionist agendas, issue illegal orders, and solicit funds.
In a notable instance on 3 July 2023, Ekpa posted a call for 100 individuals to fund the Biafra movement with $10,000 monthly, promising the restoration of Biafra by the end of 2023.
He has repeatedly claimed responsibility for various attacks and killings in the region.
The Nigerian government had previously made unsuccessful attempts to extradite Ekpa. In February 2023, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish Ambassador, Leena Pylvanainen, over Ekpa’s threats to disrupt the 2023 general elections.
Pylvanainen had emphasized the need to consider Ekpa’s rights as a Finnish citizen, stating that “everything has to obviously be done according to Finnish legislation.”
