Pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, will spend Christmas and New Year in detention, as the country’s legal system does not allow for bail.
Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed this to Saturday PUNCH in an email.
This news comes as Ekpa’s supporters, despite his detention, declared the establishment of the United States of Biafra at a conference held in Finland on Friday.
- Court order arrest of TSTV founder, Bright Echefu over $651,280 fraud
- Prof Mahmood Yakubu: Astute Administrator Transforming Nigeria’s Electoral Process
Ekpa, who is the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested last week alongside four others on suspicion of involvement in terrorism-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. The Finnish authorities stated that Ekpa allegedly used social media platforms to promote violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting both civilians and government officials.
According to Finnish news outlet Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed Ekpa’s arrest in a statement issued last Thursday, noting that the other suspects were arrested for their alleged roles in financing terrorist activities.
Ekpa is scheduled to face charges in May 2025, according to Finnish authorities.
When asked whether Ekpa’s charges were bailable or if the prosecution had any intention of releasing him on bail, Laaksonen explained, “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.”
Meanwhile, in Finland, Ekpa’s supporters gathered in Lahti on Friday to formally declare the creation of the United States of Biafra. Prior to the conference, videos had circulated on social media showing a significant influx of Nigerians arriving in Finland for the event, which was promoted as ‘Biafra Mass Exodus 2024’.
