Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafran agitator currently facing allegations of terrorism-related activities in Finland, may remain in detention through the Christmas and New Year holidays, according to Finnish authorities.
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed this, emphasizing that the country’s legal system does not provide for bail.
In response to an inquiry from PUNCH regarding whether Ekpa’s charges were eligible for bail or if the prosecution was considering his release, Laaksonen stated via email, “Finnish criminal procedure/coercive measures do not recognise bail procedure.”
“Our procedure is based on, depending on the case, remand or travel ban as coercive measures for limiting freedom of movement for persons suspected of offences to which such measures are applicable.”
A Finnish court has set a deadline of May 2025 for prosecutors to file charges against Simon Ekpa.
It was previously reported the arrest of Simon Ekpa, who identifies as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile.
Ekpa was detained two weeks ago along with four others on suspicion of terrorism-related offences, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
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Finnish authorities accused Ekpa of using social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and government officials.
According to local media outlet Yle, Ekpa is currently remanded on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
Finland’s Central Criminal Police revealed that the other suspects in custody are alleged to have financed terrorist activities, further deepening the investigation into Ekpa’s activities.
Detective Laaksonen confirmed that the investigation is ongoing but refrained from providing additional details.
When asked about the timeline for Ekpa’s court case, he noted that the district court has set May 2025 for the prosecution to potentially present charges.
Laaksonen also explained that either Ekpa or Finnish authorities could request a re-evaluation of the case within two weeks. “In typical remand situations, a re-evaluation hearing can occur no earlier than two weeks from the last hearing, should the involved parties request it,” he stated.
Officials, however, declined to comment further on the scope of any collaborative efforts related to the case.
“International cooperation is part of the investigation due to the nature of the case, but no further comments can be made at this stage,” the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) stated.
Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, gained notoriety for advocating a boycott of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections, which led to violent enforcement measures and attacks on residents.
In February 2023, Ekpa was arrested for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders in Nigeria’s South-East. His actions sparked global petitions calling on Finnish and Nigerian authorities, as well as the European Union, to intervene.
In response, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned Finnish Ambassador Leena Pylvanainen, urging Finland’s cooperation in addressing the situation.
The District Court of Päijät-Häme in Finland ordered Ekpa’s detention on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. Ekpa is facing incitement charges, while his associates stand accused of financing terrorism.
(Saharareporters)
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