Finnish authorities have explained why Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra activist, cannot be granted bail. Mikko Laaksonen, a top official at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, told Punch that Finland’s laws do not allow bail for crimes like those Ekpa is accused of committing.
Ekpa was arrested on November 21, along with four others, for alleged involvement in terrorist activities. Finnish police claim he is linked to violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria.
A Finnish court has ordered that Ekpa remain in prison on suspicion of inciting people to commit crimes with terrorist intent. He is expected to face trial in May 2025. Authorities have also accused him and the other suspects of funding terrorism. They allege Ekpa illegally raised money for terrorist acts between August 2021 and November 2024 in Lahti, Finland.
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Ekpa, who holds both Nigerian and Finnish citizenship, leads a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) called “Autopilot.” The group seeks the independence of Biafra in southeastern and south-south Nigeria. IPOB has been linked to violent attacks in the region, though it denies involvement.
After his arrest, the IPOB faction loyal to Nnamdi Kanu distanced itself from Ekpa, saying he was never a member of their group.
When asked if Ekpa could be granted bail, Laaksonen clarified that Finnish laws don’t have a bail system. Instead, suspects are either placed under strict travel bans or held in custody until trial, depending on the case. This means Ekpa will remain in detention until his trial in May 2025.
