Finnish politician and Biafra political activist, Simon Ekpa, appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Friday as the country’s government commenced his terrorism trial.

In November 2024, the Finnish government arrested Ekpa on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

He was accused of using social media to incite violence and causing unrest in the South-east region, as part of his secessionist agitation for Biafra.

According to the prosecutors who are demanding a six-year prison sentence for Ekpa, his activities may constitute terrorism under Finnish law.

“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.

During interrogations, Ekpa denied ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups and other allegations against him.

The Guardian had reported that the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), which Ekpa is a member of, declared a two-day lockdown across the South-East region of Nigeria to mark Ekpa’s court appearance.”

The group refers to him as its Prime Minister.

“We confirm that these two days are significant in the lives of all Biafrans living at home and abroad. Our Prime Minister Simon Ekpa has been detained by the Finnish government since November 2024; imperatively, he will appear in Finnish court on May 29 and so Biafrans should honour him as a hero of our time who has sacrificed his life for Biafra,” the group said. (The Guardian: Text, Excluding Headline)