Simon Ekpa Followers Declare United States of Biafra in Finland, As Finland Law Prohibits Bail



Pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa, arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, will remain in detention over Christmas, as Finnish law does not allow for bail. This follows his arrest, alongside four others, for charges including incitement to violence and terrorism financing. Ekpa, described as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media to promote violence in Nigeria’s South-East, targeting both civilians and authorities.


The Finnish authorities confirmed that Ekpa is facing charges related to public incitement with terrorist intent. The Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his remand in custody, and Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests of other individuals accused of financing terrorist activities. Ekpa's trial is set for May 2025.


The Finnish criminal procedure does not recognize bail, relying instead on remand or travel bans as coercive measures to limit the freedom of individuals suspected of serious offenses.


Meanwhile, Ekpa's supporters gathered in Lahti, Finland, on Friday, declaring the formation of the United States of Biafra. Videos shared on social media showed large groups of Nigerians traveling to Finland for the event, dubbed the "Biafra Mass Exodus 2024." At the event, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, the self-proclaimed Chief of Staff of the United States of Biafra, announced that Biafrans in Finland had declared independence. She also stated that Biafra would adopt its own currency and time zone, separate from Nigeria's.


Orabueze's involvement with Ekpa dates back to March 2023, when she was appointed Minister of Health, Oil, and Gas in the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile. Despite her claims of independence, reactions from prominent pro-Biafran groups like IPOB (Indigenous People of Biafra) and MASSOB (Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra) have been dismissive. IPOB's spokesperson Emma Powerful stated that the group had no involvement in the Finland declaration, calling it a criminal act. MASSOB expressed conditional support for any genuine efforts toward Biafran independence but rejected the claim of independence made in Finland, citing continued Nigerian control.


The situation has also sparked calls for Ekpa's extradition to Nigeria. However, Nigeria does not have an extradition agreement with Finland, and the Finnish Embassy in Nigeria has refrained from commenting on the matter. Legal experts noted that Ekpa could still be extradited based on international conventions, even without a bilateral agreement.


Despite the declarations made in Finland, the reality of Biafra’s independence remains uncertain, as it faces both domestic and international challenges. While some support the cause, others argue that any such declaration lacks legal and political power, as Biafra remains under Nigerian sovereignty.


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