Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian man who supports Biafra independence, showed up in a Finnish court on Friday, May 30. His trial for terrorism charges has officially started in Finland.

Back in November 2024, Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa. He was suspected of being involved in terrorism, including encouraging violence and helping to fund terrorist acts.

Ekpa was blamed for using social media to encourage violence and create chaos in Nigeria’s South-East. These actions were part of his push for a separate Biafra nation.

Prosecutors in Finland believe Ekpa’s actions fall under terrorism laws. They are asking the court to sentence him to six years in prison.

Ekpa has denied all the claims during questioning. He said he never ordered weapons or supported violence for the Biafra cause.

Ekpa, who holds both Finnish and Nigerian citizenship, is linked to a group called IPOB that wants South-East Nigeria to become its own country. This area went through a brutal civil war decades ago. He has also been active in Finnish politics, serving on a local transport committee in Lahti for the National Coalition Party.