Terrorism: Simon Ekpa goes on trial as prosecutors demand six-year sentence

Terrorism: Simon Ekpa goes on trial as prosecutors demand six-year sentence

Finnish prosecutors handling the case of pro-Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, are demanding a six-year prison sentence for him if found guilty.

Ekpa is on trial on terrorism charges.

He appeared in the Päijät-Häme District Court on Friday for a preparation hearing on terrorism-related allegations, according to a Finnish local news medium, Yle.

The prosecutor allegedly presented considerable proof of Ekpa’s digital interactions and activity.

“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 difficulties in acquiring credible information, pointing out that much of the alleged illicit activities occurred in Africa.

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In addition to terrorism charges, the court is looking into allegations of aggravated tax fraud and concerns that Ekpa ordered firearms for pro-Biafra groups.

The Biafran agitator, through his legal counsel, Kaarle Gummerus, disputed the claims.

Gummerus highlighted concerns about the reliability of information gathered from Nigerian sources.

According to Yle, the court remanded the Biafran agitator in detention on allegations of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

The case has been jointly examined by Finnish police and Nigerian authorities.

In November 2024, the Finnish government reported that the Biafra agitator and four others had been arrested on suspicion of terror-related crimes, including incitement.

In addition to terrorism charges, the court is looking into allegations of aggravated tax fraud and concerns that Ekpa ordered firearms for pro-Biafra groups.

Terrorism: Simon Ekpa goes on trial as prosecutors demand six-year sentence