Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafran agitator, has been arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities. As Finland’s legal system does not permit bail, Ekpa will spend Christmas in detention. This information was disclosed by Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, via email to Saturday PUNCH.
In a related development, Ekpa’s followers declared the United States of Biafra at a conference held in Finland on Friday. Last week, the Finnish government announced Ekpa’s arrest alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. Finnish police confirmed that Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in Nigeria’s South-East region.
According to the local publication Yle, the Päijät-Häme District Court remanded Ekpa in custody on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests and noted that other suspects were apprehended for allegedly financing terrorist activities. Finnish authorities stated that Ekpa is scheduled to face charges in May 2025.
When asked about the possibility of bail, Laaksonen clarified, “Finnish criminal procedure/coercive measures do not recognize 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.”
Finnish Court Makes Crucial Decision in Simon Ekpa’s Terrorism Trial
Supporters Declare Biafra
In Lahti, Finland, Ekpa’s supporters gathered on Friday to declare the United States of Biafra. Prior to the conference, videos circulated online showing a significant influx of Nigerians into Finland for the event, dubbed ‘Biafra Mass Exodus 2024’. One social media user, @DOlewunne, tweeted, “Huge in Finland Under His Excellency the Prime Minister of Biafra Simon Ekpa. The re-declaration of the Independent State of Biafra/United States of Biafra is in full swing.”
Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, the convener of the convention and Chief of Staff of the United States of Biafra, organized the Biafra Declaration of the Restoration of the United States of Biafra Convention 2024 in Finland. Orabueze, a family nurse practitioner based in Atlanta, Georgia, with over 17,500 followers on X and more than 12,000 on Facebook, announced the convention on November 27.
In a video address, Ekpa stated, “We were free before Lord Lugard came. If you want the oil, take it and leave us alone. We are tired of living as baboons and monkeys. We want to be given the opportunity to practice what we have studied.”
Following the declaration, Orabueze listed the states within the newly re-declared United States of Biafra, including Anambra, Okigwe, Nnewi, Ogoni, Opobo, Ikwerre, Etche, Okrika, Ngwa, and Orlu, among others. The crowd enthusiastically cheered her on in both Igbo and English.
IPOB and MASSOB Respond
Emma Powerful, spokesperson for the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), rejected any involvement in the event, stating, “IPOB has no involvement in any conference. Those people (Ekpa’s faction) are criminals supporting illegal activities to destroy our land.” Similarly, Sunday Edeson, spokesperson for the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), expressed support for the declaration but acknowledged the continued Nigerian control over the region.
Extradition Possibility
Regarding extradition, Kimiebi Ebienfa, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Nigeria does not have an extradition agreement with Finland. The Finnish Embassy in Nigeria also declined to comment on the matter. Brig Gen Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, called for Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria to face criminal charges. Legal expert Chukwuma Ezeala noted on AriseTV’s ‘The Morning Show’ that Ekpa could be tried in either Nigeria or Finland based on international conventions, despite the lack of a bilateral agreement.
The unfolding situation continues to draw attention as Nigerians await further developments in Ekpa’s case and the political implications of the United States of Biafra declaration.
