Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafran activist arrested in Finland for alleged terrorism-related activities, will remain in detention throughout the Christmas holiday season, as Finland’s legal system does not allow for bail.
This was confirmed via email by Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation.
Meanwhile, Ekpa’s supporters have declared the “United States of Biafra” at a conference held in Lahti, Finland, on Friday.
The event came amidst ongoing legal challenges for Ekpa, who was arrested alongside four others last week on charges related to incitement of violence and terrorism financing.
Finnish authorities allege that Ekpa, who identifies as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, used social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region.
According to local reports, the Päijät-Häme District Court ordered Ekpa to remain in custody on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. Finnish police have also detained other suspects linked to the financing of terrorism. Ekpa is scheduled to face trial in May 2025.
Laaksonen clarified that Finland’s criminal procedures do not include a bail system but rely on remand or travel bans to restrict the freedom of movement for suspects.
Pro-Biafra Supporters Convene in Finland
Ekpa’s followers gathered in Lahti to declare the “United States of Biafra.” Videos on social media showed a significant number of Nigerians arriving in Finland for the event titled Biafra Mass Exodus 2024.
Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, who identified herself as the Chief of Staff for the United States of Biafra, presided over the convention. Orabueze, a nurse practitioner based in Atlanta, was appointed in March 2023 as Minister of Health, Oil, and Gas for the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile.
On her verified social media account, Orabueze posted updates about the declaration, which included plans to adopt a new currency and time zone. “Biafra has been re-declared today, 29th of November 2024,” she announced, adding, “Power belongs to the people.”
The event included chants of “USB” (United States of Biafra) and a list of proposed states within the re-declared entity. The crowd sang Igbo songs and expressed solidarity with the movement.
Divergent Reactions
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), through spokesperson Emma Powerful, distanced the group from the event, describing Ekpa’s faction as “criminals” and denying any involvement. Similarly, the Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) expressed cautious support but emphasized that Nigeria remains in control of the region.
Extradition Challenges
The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that there is no extradition treaty between Nigeria and Finland. However, legal experts suggest that international conventions could provide grounds for Ekpa’s extradition if Nigeria meets specific conditions.
Calls for Ekpa’s extradition have grown louder in Nigeria, with citizens and officials urging the Finnish government to cooperate. Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Director of Defence Information, has also called for Ekpa’s return to face charges in Nigeria.
Chukwuma Ezeala, a legal expert, noted during an interview that international crimes could warrant cooperation between Finland and Nigeria, even in the absence of a formal treaty. “The question will now be whether Nigeria can meet the requirements for extradition under international conventions,” he said.
Ekpa’s case and the declaration of the “United States of Biafra” have sparked widespread debate both locally and internationally.
(PUNCH)
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