Simon Ekpa denies terrorism charges as Finnish court begins trial, risks 6 years jail 

A Finnish court has begun the terrorism trial of Simon Ekpa, a controversial Biafra agitator.

 

The Finnish government, in mid-May, charged Mr Ekpa with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent and participation in a terrorist group, reports Daily Post.

 

The Finnish-Nigerian citizen appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court on Friday to face the terrorism-related charges in a preparatory hearing, Yle, a Finnish newspaper, reported.

 

Prosecutors alleged that Mr Ekpa has been actively involved in a separatist movement seeking independence of Biafra in South-eastern Nigeria.

 

The prosecution argued that the Biafra agitator’s separatist activities, conducted online and coordinated from Finland, may constitute terrorism under Finnish law.

 

Prosecutors are demanding a six-year prison sentence for Mr Ekpa.