Why Simon Ekpa Cannot Be Granted Bail in Finland: Finnish Official Explains
Finnish authorities have outlined the reasons why Simon Ekpa, a controversial pro-Biafra agitator, cannot be released on bail under Finland’s legal system. Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, explained to Punch newspaper that Finnish law does not allow bail for suspects accused of the serious offences that Ekpa is currently facing.
Ekpa was arrested on November 21, along with four others, on suspicion of engaging in terrorist activities. Finnish police accused him of inciting violence and contributing to crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria. The District Court of Päijät-Häme ruled that Ekpa be detained “with probable cause” on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Finnish authorities have confirmed that Ekpa will remain in custody until his trial, scheduled for May 2025. Additionally, he and his co-accused have been indicted for financing terrorism. Investigators allege that Ekpa violated Finland’s Money Collection Act by illegally collecting funds for terrorist purposes between August 23, 2021, and November 18, 2024, in Lahti, Finland.
Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, leads the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which advocates for an independent state of Biafra in southeastern and parts of south-south Nigeria. While IPOB has been linked to violent attacks in the region, the group denies involvement. Following Ekpa's arrest, the IPOB faction loyal to Nnamdi Kanu publicly disowned him, claiming he was never a member of their organization.
Responding to questions about bail eligibility, Laaksonen clarified that Finland’s legal framework does not include a bail procedure. Instead, coercive measures like remand or travel bans are used to restrict the movement of individuals suspected of certain offences. In Ekpa's case, remand detention was deemed appropriate, ensuring his continued custody until his court appearance in May 2025.