Finnish authorities have announced that Simon Ekpa, a popular pro-Biafran agitator, will remain in prison as his trial is set to commence in May 2025.
Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, has been a thorn in the flesh of the Nigerian government, championing a controversial call for an independent Biafran state.
According to Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, the district court has set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to present possible charges against Ekpa.
Laaksonen confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, and no further details can be disclosed at this point.
“Due to the ongoing investigation, no further details can be disclosed.
“The date for bringing up possible charges by the prosecution was set by the district court to May 2025,” he said.
He added, “In a basic situation regarding the remand, the next possible hearing can be held no earlier than two weeks from the previous hearing, should the parties in question seek for the matter to be re-evaluated by the district court,” Laaksonen explained.
Finnish authorities also confirmed that cross-border cooperation is integral to the investigation. However, officials have refrained from providing further information about the nature or extent of the international collaboration.
The Finnish government had 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 allegedly used social media to promote violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities.
He is accused of inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders to Igbos and other South-East residents.
