Simon Ekpa, a self-styled Biafran agitator facing terrorism-related allegations in Finland, will likely remain in detention through the Christmas and New Year periods. Finnish authorities, citing their legal framework, have clarified that bail is not an option under their system.
No Bail in Finnish Legal System
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), explained Finland’s approach to limiting the freedom of suspects. Responding to an inquiry, Laaksonen stated, “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.”
Ekpa’s detention is linked to allegations of incitement to violence and the financing of terrorism. The District Court of Päijät-Häme has remanded him on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, while his four co-accused face charges of financing terrorism.
May 2025 Deadline for Prosecution
Authorities have set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to file charges against Ekpa, allowing extensive time for investigations. However, Detective Laaksonen highlighted the possibility of a re-evaluation hearing, stating, “In typical remand situations, a re-evaluation hearing can occur no earlier than two weeks from the last hearing, should the involved parties request it.”
Laaksonen confirmed the investigation’s ongoing nature but refrained from disclosing additional details. “Due to the ongoing investigation, no additional information can be shared,” he said.
International Cooperation and Allegations
Finnish authorities, including Finland’s Central Criminal Police, revealed that Ekpa allegedly used social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and government officials. The case has drawn significant international attention, with Finland acknowledging the involvement of international cooperation in the investigation. However, officials have declined to elaborate further.
Diplomatic Pressure and Past Arrests
The Nigerian government previously exerted diplomatic pressure on Finland to address Ekpa’s activities, including advocacy for a boycott of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections. Ekpa’s actions triggered violent enforcement measures in Nigeria’s South-East, sparking global petitions that urged intervention from Finnish and Nigerian authorities, along with the European Union.
In February 2023, Ekpa was arrested for inciting violence and issuing sit-at-home orders in Nigeria. These orders led to attacks on residents, further cementing his controversial reputation.
The Ayaba ChoCase
Ayaba Cho Lucas, leader of the Ambazonia Governing Council, is in a parallel case, stays in custody in Norway facing charges of crimes against humanity. Ayaba, a Cameroonian separatist, advocates for the independence of the Anglophone regions of Cameroon. He faces accusations of orchestrating violent attacks, kidnappings, and school shutdowns through the Ambazonia Defence Forces (ADF). His arrest follows years of international criticism and Cameroonian government appeals to Norway to curtail his activities.
Ayaba, like Ekpa, used social media and the diaspora to support his cause. He gained notoriety for aligning with other separatist movements and intensifying the conflict in Cameroon’s Anglophone regions. Norwegian authorities, however, have not indicated whether he will face extradition, citing concerns about Cameroon’s judiciary’s fairness
