Finnish authorities have clarified why Simon Ekpa, a controversial pro-Biafra agitator, cannot be granted bail following his arrest on charges related to terrorist activities.
Senior Detective Superintendent Mikko Laaksonen of Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation explained that the Finnish legal system does not provide bail for suspects accused of such offences.
METROBLOG reported earlier that Simon Ekpa was arrested on 21 November, along with four others, on suspicion of financing terrorism and incitement to violence. Finnish police accused him of contributing to violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria.
Following his arrest, the District Court of Päijät-Häme ordered his detention on grounds of probable cause for public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. He is expected to face charges in May 2025.
Authorities allege that Ekpa and his associates collected funds unlawfully, violating Finland’s Money Collection Act. The crimes are said to have occurred between August 2021 and November 2024 in Lahti, Finland.
Ekpa, a dual Nigerian-Finnish citizen, leads a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) called Autopilot. IPOB has been agitating for an independent state of Biafra in southeastern and parts of south-south Nigeria. The group has been linked to deadly attacks in these regions, though it consistently denies involvement in violence.
The faction loyal to IPOB’s leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has disowned Ekpa, stating he was never a member of their group.
Responding to questions about bail eligibility, Laaksonen stated that Finnish criminal law does not recognise bail. Instead, suspects may face remand or travel restrictions based on the case’s specifics. This means Ekpa will remain in custody until his trial begins in 2025.
Finnish authorities view the detention as necessary to ensure compliance with legal procedures and to prevent further unlawful actions.
Be the first to comment