A former local councillor in Lahti, Finland, Simon Ekpa, is facing terrorism-related charges, with prosecutors demanding a six-year prison sentence.
The case was brought before the Päijät-Häme District Court during a preparatory hearing held on Friday.
Ekpa stands accused of participating in a terrorist organisation and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes.
Prosecutors allege that he has played a key role in a separatist movement advocating for the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria.
According to the charges, Ekpa’s online activity, coordinated from Finland, may fall under acts classified as terrorism under Finnish law.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.
However, the prosecution acknowledged the complexities involved in gathering concrete evidence, noting that many of the alleged acts are believed to have taken place in Africa, making verification difficult.
Ekpa’s defence lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, raised concerns during the pre-trial hearing about the reliability of information received from Nigeria.
The case has been jointly investigated by Finnish police in cooperation with Nigerian authorities.
In interviews with police, Ekpa denied all charges, including accusations that he attempted to procure weapons for pro-Biafra groups.
In addition to the terrorism-related allegations, the court is also reviewing a separate charge of aggravated tax fraud.
Originally from Biafra, Ekpa moved to Finland in 2007 as an athlete.
He later became active in politics, joining the National Coalition Party and serving on Lahti’s public transport board.
