The Traffic

“No Bail for Simon Ekpa: The Shocking Reasons Behind Finland’s Decision”

By Achimi Muktar

Simon Ekpa, a controversial pro-Biafra agitator, remains behind bars in Finland, with no chance of bail. Arrested alongside four others on 21 November on suspicion of terrorist activities, the Finnish authorities have provided insights into why their legal system does not accommodate bail for someone accused of such crimes.

Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, revealed that Finland’s criminal procedure excludes bail as an option. Instead, the system relies on measures like remand or travel bans to restrict suspects’ freedom, particularly in severe cases like Mr. Ekpa’s.

“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,” Laaksonen told Punch.

A Long Wait Behind Bars

This means Ekpa, who faces accusations of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, will remain in custody until May 2025, when his trial is scheduled at the District Court of Päijät-Häme. He was ordered to be imprisoned “with probable cause,” reinforcing the severity of the charges against him.

The Allegations

The Finnish police allege that Simon Ekpa has contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in southeastern Nigeria. He and four others have been indicted for financing terrorism and violating Finland’s Money Collection Act, allegedly collecting funds for illicit activities between August 2021 and November 2024.

IPOB Connections and Disavowal

Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen, leads “Autopilot,” a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), which seeks to carve out an independent state of Biafra in southeastern Nigeria. While IPOB has often been linked to violent attacks in the region, it has denied involvement. Interestingly, following his arrest, the IPOB faction loyal to Nnamdi Kanu publicly disowned Ekpa, claiming he was never a member of their group.

The Bigger Picture

Ekpa’s arrest underscores a broader issue of transnational legal enforcement and the challenges of combating terrorism financing. While his faction continues to push its separatist agenda, Finnish authorities remain firm in their stance, signaling a zero-tolerance policy toward any activities they deem criminal.

What’s Next?

As Ekpa awaits his day in court, his arrest serves as a stark reminder of the legal and ethical dilemmas surrounding separatist movements, international law, and freedom of expression. For now, Finland’s judicial system ensures he stays behind bars, awaiting answers to the many questions his actions have raised.

Stay tuned for updates as this story unfolds.