Ekpa to Spend Christmas in Jail as Supporters Declare “United States of Biafra”

Simon Ekpa will spend the holiday season in detention, while his supporters have declared the formation of a “United States of Biafra,” escalating tensions in the region.

Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran activist apprehended in Finland on suspicion of terrorism-related activities, will stay in custody over the Christmas holiday period because Finland’s legal system does not permit bail.

Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed this via email.

In the meantime, Ekpa’s supporters announced the “United States of Biafra” at a conference in Lahti, Finland on Friday.

The event occurred in the context of ongoing legal battles for Ekpa, who was arrested with four others last week on charges connected to inciting violence and financing terrorism.

Finnish authorities claim that Ekpa, who considers himself the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, utilized social media to provoke violence in Nigeria’s South-East region.

Local reports indicate that the Päijät-Häme District Court has mandated Ekpa’s continued detention on charges of publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent. Additionally, Finnish police have apprehended other individuals suspected of being involved in financing terrorism. Ekpa is slated to stand trial in May 2025.

Laaksonen explained that Finland’s criminal procedures do not incorporate a bail system. Instead, they rely on remand or travel bans to restrict suspects’ freedom of movement.

READ ALSO: Donors Supporting Simon Ekpa Are Complicit in Terrorism, Lawyers Assert

Pro-Biafra Advocates Gather in Finland

Followers of Ekpa assembled in Lahti to proclaim the “United States of Biafra.” Videos circulating on social media depicted a substantial number of Nigerians traveling to Finland for an event called Biafra Mass Exodus 2024.

Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, who introduced herself as the Chief of Staff for the United States of Biafra, led the convention. Based in Atlanta and working as a nurse practitioner, Orabueze was appointed Minister of Health, Oil, and Gas for the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile in March 2023.

On her verified social media account, Orabueze shared updates regarding the announcement about adopting a new currency and time zone. She stated, “Biafra has been re-declared today, 29th of November 2024,” emphasizing that “Power belongs to the people.”

At the event, attendees chanted “USB” (United States of Biafra) and shared a list of proposed states for the newly re-declared entity. The crowd sang Igbo songs to show their support and solidarity with the movement.

Varied Responses

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), represented by spokesperson Emma Powerful, disassociated itself from the event, labeling Ekpa’s faction as “criminals” and denying any connection. Likewise, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) offered cautious support but stressed that Nigeria continues to maintain control over the region.

Challenges in Extradition

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed the absence of an extradition treaty between Nigeria and Finland. Nonetheless, legal experts indicate that international conventions might offer a basis for Ekpa’s extradition if Nigeria fulfills certain conditions.

Demands for Ekpa’s extradition have intensified in Nigeria, as both citizens and officials press the Finnish government for cooperation. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, has also urged that Ekpa be sent back to face charges in Nigeria.

During an interview, legal expert Chukwuma Ezeala observed that international crimes might prompt cooperation between Finland and Nigeria even without a formal treaty in place. He stated, “The key issue will be whether Nigeria can fulfill the requirements for extradition under international conventions.”

The case of Ekpa and the proclamation of the “United States of Biafra” have ignited extensive debate both within the country and around the world.