PM Simon Ekpa's Appeal: A Step Toward Justice in the Biafran Struggle
BRGIE Prime Minister, SIMON EKPA
In a significant development for the ongoing saga surrounding PM Simon Ekpa, the Finnish-Biafran activist and elected Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), Abamake Network has obtained exclusive confirmation directly from the Päijät-Häme District Court through official correspondence. The court has acknowledged receipt of Ekpa's formal appeal against the full six-year sentence handed down on September 1, 2025, for charges related to inciting armed violence and aggravated tax fraud.
This appeal, submitted through his legal counsel, was filed well before the statutory deadline of October 1, 2025, ensuring its validity and progression through the Finnish judicial system. This confirmation underscores the transparency and efficiency of Finland's legal framework, even in high-profile cases involving international activism.
Ekpa's conviction, which stemmed from allegations of online propaganda and funding separatist activities, has drawn global attention, pitting advocates of self-determination against concerns over national security and public order. With the appeal now officially logged, the case will be forwarded from the district court to the appropriate appellate body for review.The appeal will be handled by the Helsinki Court of Appeal (Helsingin hovioikeus), located at Porkkalankatu 13, 00180 Helsinki, Finland. This court serves as the second instance for judgments from several district courts in southern Finland, including the Päijät-Häme District Court, as well as those from Espoo, Helsinki, Hyvinkää, Itä-Uusimaa, Kanta-Häme, Länsi-Uusimaa, Tuusula, and Vantaa.
As one of Finland's five courts of appeal, it plays a crucial role in ensuring fair adjudication by re-examining evidence, witness testimonies, and legal arguments presented at the lower level. The Finnish appeal process in criminal matters is structured and methodical. To initiate an appeal, a party must first express dissatisfaction with the district court's decision, typically within seven days of the verdict to preserve the right to appeal. The full appeal document, detailing the grounds for contesting the ruling, must then be submitted to the originating district court within 30 days of the judgment date—in this case, by October 1, 2025. Upon verification, the district court compiles the case materials and transmits them to the Court of Appeal. There, the case undergoes preparation, which may involve written submissions from all parties.
If deemed necessary, particularly in complex criminal cases like Ekpa's, an oral hearing is scheduled where judges—usually a panel of three—can question witnesses and hear arguments anew. The court may affirm, modify, or overturn the original sentence, with a decision typically issued within 30 days of any main hearing.While timelines can vary based on case complexity and court backlog, statistics from the Finnish judiciary indicate an average processing time for appeals in the courts of appeal of around 7 months for criminal matters. This encompasses the entire duration from receipt of the appeal to final resolution.
For Ekpa's case, given its submission in late September 2025, the first hearing could realistically be scheduled within the next 3-5 months, potentially as early as early 2026, with a full decision expected by mid-2026 barring any unusual delays.
This appeal represents more than a legal maneuver; it is a testament to the enduring fight for Biafran autonomy, and the challenges faced by diaspora leaders in navigating foreign jurisdictions. As the world watches, the Helsinki Court of Appeal's handling of this matter will be scrutinized for its impartiality and adherence to human rights standards.
Abamake Network will continue to monitor developments closely, providing unbiased updates as this story unfolds.
Written by Nnamdi Iheukwumere.
Nnamdi Iheukwumere is a senior editor at Abamake Network, specializing in international affairs and African diaspora issues.
