Countdown To Courtroom Clash: Simon Ekpa Brings In New Lawyer For Terrorism Battle

Finland-based Biafra separatist, Simon Ekpa, has appointed a new lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, in preparation for his upcoming trial in June 2025 in Finland.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The change in legal representation comes after the retirement of Ekpa’s previous attorney. Gummerus confirmed to BBC Pidgin that he has received the pre-trial documents and is currently examining the case.

Ekpa, who holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and Finland, was arrested in November 2024 by Finnish authorities and has since been held in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court.

He faces charges of disseminating terrorist propaganda through social media. Finnish prosecutors allege that the offences were committed in 2021 while Ekpa was residing in Lahti, Finland. He is accused of using his platforms to incite violence and terrorism in southeastern Nigeria.

Although Nigerian officials have sought his extradition, Finland declined the request, stating that Ekpa would be tried under Finnish jurisdiction due to the seriousness of the allegations and his citizenship.

Meanwhile, in March 2025, President Bola Tinubu approved the classification of Simon Ekpa and 15 others as terrorism financiers. Acting under the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, the Nigerian government, through the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, imposed sanctions on the individuals.

These sanctions include the immediate freezing of their assets and financial accounts within Nigeria, with all banks mandated to report the frozen assets to the committee.