The Finnish authorities have announced that Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa’s trial will commence in May 2025.

Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and leader of a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested on November 21, 2024, alongside four others in Finland.

He is accused of financing terrorism, public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, and violating the country’s Money Collection Act.

Investigations into Ekpa revealed that his activities spanned from August 2021 to November 2024 in Lahti, Finland. Authorities claim that Ekpa’s actions contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria.

The District Court of Päijät-Häme ordered Ekpa's imprisonment on probable cause pending trial. Finnish authorities revealed that prosecutors have until May 2025 to present charges. Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen confirmed ongoing international cooperation in the case, though further details remain undisclosed due to the nature of the investigation.

Ekpa’s involvement in the illegal activities in southeastern Nigeria included issuing a compulsory sit-at-home orders often enforced by violence.

According to the Nigerian government, Ekpa’s actions led to the death of many civilians and widespread disruption in the region.

Ekpa also reportedly used his social media platforms to promote secessionist agendas, solicit funds, and claim responsibility for attacks in Nigeria.

All efforts by the Nigerian government to extradite Ekpa for prosecution proved futile. In February 2023, the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Finnish ambassador, expressing concerns over Ekpa’s threats to disrupt Nigeria’s elections. While Finnish authorities acknowledged the situation, they emphasized adherence to Finnish legislation, citing Ekpa’s citizenship rights.