6 MONTHS IN PRISON? Simon Ekpa’s Bail Denied As Finnish Authorities Reveal Shocking Details
Simon Ekpa, the self- proclaimed leader of the factional Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has been denied bail by Finnish authorities, and will remain in prison for the next six months as he awaits his trial in May 2025. This shocking development has stirred mixed reactions globally, especially in relation to his arrest on November 21, 2024.
Ekpa, who leads the Auto Pilot faction of IPOB, has been accused of financing terrorism and inciting violence in Nigeria’ s southeastern region, including attacks on security agencies. Finnish police have detained him as part of an investigation into his alleged involvement in international terrorism and terrorism financing. The crime is said to have been committed between August 23, 2021, and November 18, 2024, in Lahti, Finland.
A Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’ s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, explained that due to the severity of the charges against Ekpa, bail is not an option under Finnish law. Laaksonen clarified, ” Finnish criminal procedure/coercive measures do not recognise bail procedure. Our procedure is based on remand or travel bans, depending on the case. ”
The decision to keep Ekpa in detention for six months before his trial in May 2025 has been a significant move by Finnish authorities. This step is a direct response to the grave nature of the charges Ekpa faces. His case has drawn attention due to his leadership in IPOB’ s call for Biafran independence, a cause that has led to violent clashes in Nigeria’ s southeastern region.
In an ironic twist, the mainstream IPOB, led by Nnamdi Kanu, has distanced itself from Ekpa, denying his leadership and actions. Kanu, who was arrested by the Nigerian government in 2021, is currently facing his own trial for alleged terrorism.
As Ekpa’ s trial date approaches, many are waiting to see how this case will unfold, especially with the Finnish authorities’ firm stance against his release on bail.
