Simon Ekpa’s lawyers deny viral release video, confirm actual date
The legal team representing detained separatist leader, Simon Ekpa, has denied a viral video claiming he has been freed, confirming November 17, 2026, as the scheduled date for his release from custody in Finland.
The clarification was issued on Friday, November 6, 2026 after a video circulated online showing a man who appeared to be Ekpa leaving a building said to be the detention facility, while another man claimed he had been freed on November 5.
In a statement, the International Legal Voluntary Technical Team of Pan African Forum Ltd & Associates said the release remains scheduled for November 17. The statement was issued by the organisation founded and led by Dr David Nyekorach-Matsanga, following discussions with Ekpa’s lead lawyer.
The confirmation follows an October 18 statement by the legal team, which said Ekpa was expected to be released before, on or around November 17.
The team said the release would be unconditional and that he would return to his home in Finland, where he is a Finnish national.
The latest confirmation comes after the East Finland Court of Appeal reduced Ekpa’s prison sentence from six years to four years on October 15, while upholding his convictions for terrorism-related offences.
The appeals court upheld the district court’s findings that Ekpa participated in the activities of a terrorist group and publicly incited criminal acts for terrorist purposes, but reduced his sentence after considering the circumstances surrounding the conflict in southeastern Nigeria.
Ekpa, 41, has been in custody in Finland since November 2024. He was convicted in September 2025 by the Päijät-Häme District Court over his alleged role in activities linked to armed separatist groups operating in southeastern Nigeria.
The district court found that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa used his social media platforms to incite violence, promote Biafran independence and help supply armed groups with weapons, explosives and ammunition.
The court’s decision is not yet final, as both Ekpa and the prosecution have the option of seeking permission to appeal to Finland’s Supreme Court.
In a separate statement issued on October 18, the legal team appealed to Ekpa’s supporters to remain calm, avoid premature celebrations, and avoid statements that could suggest he would resume his previous activities immediately after leaving custody.