Finnish Authorities Reveal Why Simon Ekpa Was Denied Bail

Finnish authorities disclose the reasons behind denying bail to Simon Ekpa, highlighting the gravity of the charges and potential flight risks.

The Finnish authorities have explained why Simon Ekpa, a contentious pro-Biafra activist, cannot receive bail under Finland’s legal system.

Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, stated in an interview with Punch newspaper on Saturday that Finnish law prohibits granting bail to suspects facing charges similar to those Ekpa has been accused of.

This response highlights Finland’s stringent approach to handling cases of serious allegations.

According to an earlier report by Platinum Post, Ekpa and four others were arrested on November 21st under suspicion of involvement in terrorist activities.

The specifics of the allegations are still unfolding, yet the case has captured international attention because of Ekpa’s prominent status and his role in pro-Biafra advocacy.

According to the Finnish police, Mr. Ekpa “has played a role in inciting violence and crimes against civilians in Southeastern Nigeria.”

The Päijät-Häme District Court subsequently ruled that the pro-Biafra activist be detained “on probable grounds of suspicion for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intentions.”

According to Finnish authorities, he is anticipated to face charges in May 2025.

Mr. Ekpa, along with four other suspects, was charged with financing terrorism.

The police suspect that the Biafra agitator violated the Finnish Money Collection Act by unlawfully collecting money.

According to the Finnish police, he is suspected of committing the crimes in Lahti, a town in Finland, between August 23, 2021 and November 18, 2024.

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Mr. Ekpa, a citizen of both Nigeria and Finland, leads Autopilot, a faction within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

IPOB is an organization advocating for the creation of an independent state called Biafra, comprising areas from the southeast and parts of south-south Nigeria.

The separatist group has been associated with several deadly attacks in the two regions, although it consistently denies any involvement.

Meanwhile, just hours following the arrest, last Friday the IPOB faction supporting Mr. Kanu distanced itself from Mr. Ekpa, clarifying that he was never a member of their group and is not officially associated with them as an agitator for Biafra independence..

Reasons Why Simon Ekpa Cannot Be Granted Bail

When questioned about whether Mr. Ekpa’s charges were eligible for bail or if the prosecution was inclined to release him on bail, Mr. Laaksonen replied, “The Finnish criminal procedure and coercive measures do not include a provision for bail.”

Our procedure involves using either remand or a travel ban, depending on the case, as coercive measures to restrict the freedom of movement for individuals suspected of offenses where these measures are applicable.

The situation suggests that Mr. Ekpa will remain in custody until May 2025, when he is set to go on trial at the District Court of Päijät-Häme in a Northern European country.