Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed Biafran agitator, will likely spend the Christmas and New Year breaks in detention, according to Finnish authorities. Ekpa, who is facing allegations of terrorism-related activities, was arrested two weeks ago alongside four others on suspicion of incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that Ekpa will remain in detention due to Finland’s legal system not permitting bail. A court in Finland has set May 2025 as the deadline for prosecutors to bring charges against Ekpa.
Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, has been accused of using social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting civilians and government officials. He faces charges of incitement, while his associates are accused of financing terrorism.
The Nigerian government has been putting pressure on Finland to arrest Ekpa over his alleged role in promoting violence in the South-East region. Ekpa’s activities have prompted global petitions urging Finnish and Nigerian authorities, as well as the European Union, to intervene.
