Fact Check On Claim That Finnish Authorities Have Released Simon Ekpa

The Finnish authorities arrested Simon Ekpa and four other individuals on 21 November 2024, in connection with alleged violent attacks on civilians and security forces in southeastern Nigeria.

Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on terrorism charges. He stands accused of using social media to incite violence in the region.

Ekpa describes himself as the “Prime Minister” of the self-proclaimed Biafra Republic Government in Exile. He assumed leadership of the pro-Biafra movement after the imprisonment of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu, who was arrested in June 2021 and faces terrorism charges in Nigeria, has publicly denounced Ekpa, as has IPOB.

The movement, which advocates for the restoration of the Republic of Biafra—an entity that existed between 1967 and 1970 before collapsing after the Nigerian Civil War—remains controversial.

Regarding Ekpa’s release, there have been questions about whether Finnish authorities will release him ahead of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile’s “Declaration of the Restoration of Independence of Biafra Convention” scheduled for 29 November to 3 December 2024 in Lahti, Finland.

We have investigated the matter and found no evidence to support the claim. Given the significant public interest, it is highly unlikely that Ekpa would be released without widespread coverage in both local and international media.

In a press statement, Nigeria’s foreign ministry confirmed that Ekpa’s arrest was the result of diplomatic pressure from the Nigerian government. The statement also indicated that the ministry will closely monitor the progress of his trial.

Additionally, reports suggest that the Nigerian government is seeking the extradition of Ekpa from Finland to face trial in Nigeria.

These developments directly contradict the claim of Ekpa’s release, which is false.

The false claim was also posted here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.