Prosecutors in Finland are demanding a six year prison sentence for Simon Ekpa, the self acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafran Republic Government in Exile.
Finnish media reported that Simon Ekpa, a former local councillor from Lahti, appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court on Friday to face terrorism-related charges in a preparatory hearing.
Prosecutors allege that Ekpa has been actively involved in a separatist movement seeking independence for Biafra in Eastern Nigeria. It is the Prosecutors argument that the activity, coordinated from Finland and conducted online 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.
Finnish police have investigated the case together with Nigerian authorities. The prosecution, however, acknowledged that obtaining detailed information about the alleged terrorism-related acts is difficult, as they are believed to have taken place in Africa.
Ekpa’s lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, also raised concerns about the reliability of information coming from Nigeria.
During police interviews, Ekpa denied the charges, which also included suspicions of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups. The district court is also examining allegations of aggravated tax fraud.
Nnamdi Maduakor is a Writer, Investor and Entrepreneur
