Finnish authorities have explained why Simon Ekpa, a controversial pro-Biafra activist, cannot be granted bail under Finland’s legal framework.
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, told Punch newspaper that Finnish law does not permit bail for suspects facing the charges brought against Ekpa.
Ekpa was arrested on November 21, along with four others, on suspicion of terrorist activities. Finnish police accused him of inciting violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria.
Following his arrest, the District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled that Ekpa be detained “with probable cause on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
Authorities have also charged Ekpa and the other suspects with financing terrorism. They allege that Ekpa violated Finland’s Money Collection Act by collecting funds for terrorist activities between August 2021 and November 2024 in Lahti, Finland. His trial is scheduled for May 2025.
Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, leads the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), advocating for the secession of southeastern and parts of south-south Nigeria. While IPOB has been linked to violent attacks in the region, the group has consistently denied any involvement. Following his arrest, IPOB’s faction aligned with Nnamdi Kanu disassociated itself from Ekpa, stating that he was not a member of their organization.
Addressing whether Ekpa could be released on bail, Laaksonen explained:
“Finnish criminal procedure/coercive measures do not recognise bail. Instead, depending on the case, suspects may face remand or a travel ban to restrict their freedom of movement.”
As a result, Ekpa will remain in custody until his trial begins in May 2025 at the District Court of Päijät-Häme.
