Simon Ekpa, a former local councillor from Lahti, Finland, appeared in the Päijät-Häme District Court on Friday for a pre-trial hearing to face terrorism-related charges.
The charges include participation in a terrorist organization and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes, linked to his involvement in a separatist movement seeking the independence of the Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria.
Prosecutors allege that Ekpa played a significant role in coordinating online activities that could be classified as terrorism under Finnish law. According to State prosecutor Sampsa Hakala, the evidence against Ekpa is substantial, largely stemming from his online activity and communications.
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“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” Hakala stated. However, the prosecution also recognized the challenges in gathering detailed information regarding the alleged terrorist acts, as they are believed to have occurred in Africa.
Ekpa, who moved to Finland in 2007 and had served on the National Coalition Party (NCP) as well as Lahti’s public transport board, denied the charges during police interviews. He also faces additional allegations, including suspicions of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups and involvement in aggravated tax fraud.
Ekpa’s defense attorney, Kaarle Gummerus, questioned the reliability of the evidence coming from Nigeria, as Finnish authorities have been collaborating with Nigerian police on the case. The court has yet to rule on the charges, and further hearings will follow.
The prosecution is demanding a six-year prison sentence for Ekpa if convicted. The case continues to unfold as both the prosecution and defense prepare their arguments.
