On December 18, 2024, a facebook page Biafra is a spirit (Ofo na Ogu) made a post using Simon Ekpa’s picture with the claim that the Finnish government had released and offered a hundred thousand dollars in compensation for what they deemed an unwarranted arrest and invasion of privacy to.
The caption on the post reads: “Breaking!!!!! Simon Ekpa, a prominent advocate for self-determination, has been released from detention in Finland following the Nigerian government’s failure to present evidence in court to substantiate their allegations against him.
The Finnish authorities, citing the absence of a credible case, stated that there was no justification to keep Ekpa in custody. The government also emphasized that advocating for self-determination does not constitute a crime under international law.
In addition to his release, Ekpa was awarded $100,000 in compensation by the Finnish government for what they deemed an unwarranted arrest and invasion of his privacy.
#everyone #freedom #followers #viralpost2024 #trendingpost #FreeMaziNnamdiKanuNow”
The claim has attracted 482 reactions, over 250 comments and 135 shares as of the time the report was published. In the comments section, some Facebook users’ comments revealed that they believed the news which prompted NV-A to fact-check the report on Ekpa’s release since his arrest about a month ago.
VERIFICATION
NV-A conducted a google search with the keywords “Simon Ekpa release” and “Finnish government and Simon Ekpa,” the search results turned up with articles regarding the arrest and progress of the case but there was no report on his release.
A local Finnish news platform released an article stating that he is still held in Kylmäkoski prison in Finland and has had his assets frozen.
BBC Pidgin reported that Simon Ekpa’s lawyer, Ilkka Kopra, said that he does not know how long the separatist leader will be in detention for as the decision lies with the Finnish court, but that his legal team are working relentlessly to get him out.
Recall that Simon Ekpa and four others were arrested by the Finnish authorities on November 21, 2024 for their alleged terror-related activities, including violence and terrorism funding. He is accused of coordinating violent actions against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s south-east region, using social media platforms to further his agenda. Ekpa was sent to prison by the district court of Päijät-Häme.
The Finnish police also confirmed that Ekpa will remain in custody until his trial, as the country’s legal system does not allow bails in terrorism-related cases. Ekpa is scheduled for trial in May 2025.
CONCLUSION
The claim that Simon Ekpa has been released and compensated by the Finnish government is FALSE. Simon Ekpa is still in custody awaiting his trial that has been currently set for May 2025.
