Categories: News

Ekpa’s Detention: Followers Declare Biafra In Finland

Pro-Biafran agitator Simon Ekpa, arrested in Finland over alleged terrorism-related activities, will remain in detention through Christmas, as Finnish law does not allow bail.

Finnish authorities accused Ekpa, the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, of promoting violence in Nigeria’s South-East through social media.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Ekpa was remanded by the Päijät-Häme District Court for public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Four other suspects were detained for allegedly financing terrorist activities. Finnish police confirmed his prosecution is set for May 2025.

Meanwhile, Ekpa’s followers declared the “United States of Biafra” during a conference in Lahti, Finland.

Led by Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, Chief of Staff of the group, they proclaimed Biafra’s independence, introduced Biafra coins, and adopted “Biafra time.” Videos online showed Nigerians arriving in Finland for the event, which Ekpa had originally planned for December 2 but was expedited following his arrest.

Ekpa, in a video message played at the event, claimed, “We want to be given the opportunity to practise what we have studied.” The crowd responded with chants of “USB,” symbolizing the United States of Biafra.

Ekpa Detention Biafra Finland

However, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) distanced itself from the declaration, labeling Ekpa’s faction as criminals. IPOB stated that it remains committed to its non-violent pursuit of Biafra.

The Nigerian government has faced calls to extradite Ekpa to face terrorism charges. However, Finland’s lack of an extradition treaty with Nigeria complicates the process. A legal expert explained that while extradition may still be possible under international conventions, it would require Nigeria to meet specific legal conditions.

Despite the declaration, many remain skeptical about its practical implications, as Biafra is still under Nigerian governance.