By Simon Ekpa has named a new legal representative to defend him in his upcoming terrorism trial in Finland, slated for June 2025. Ekpa’s former attorney reportedly retired from service, prompting the change.
Kaarle Gummerus, the newly appointed lawyer, confirmed that he has received Ekpa’s pre-trial file and is reviewing it in preparation for the proceedings. “I am currently checking through it,” Gummerus stated, while affirming that his client will appear in court as scheduled.
Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen and self-styled leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested in Finland in November 2024. He faces serious allegations of financing terrorism and inciting violence in Nigeria via social media platforms.
Finnish authorities allege that in 2021, Ekpa used his social channels to spread terrorist propaganda and fuel unrest in southeastern Nigeria. Following his arrest, the district court of Päijät-Häme ordered him remanded in custody, citing the non-bailable nature of the offense.
Nigerian officials have since requested Ekpa’s extradition to face trial at home, but efforts have stalled. Meanwhile, Finnish authorities set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to file formal charges against him.
In a separate but related move, Nigeria’s Sanctions Committee in March froze multiple bank accounts linked to Ekpa and others, naming him among 17 individuals and entities allegedly involved in terrorism financing. Ekpa remains behind bars as he awaits trial.
