Simon Ekpa’s Defence Team Ready For Trial In Finland As Court set date to Begins Hearing
Simon Ekpa’s Defence Team Ready For Trial In Finland As Court set date to Begins Hearing
In a statement issued on Friday shared on X handle, Nyekorach-Matsanga disclosed that he held a 15-minute meeting on July 31 with Ekpa’s lead legal team in Finland, during which they reviewed preparations for the case and agreed that the defence was ready for the proceedings.
The legal team representing detained pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, is fully prepared to proceed with his criminal trial in Finland, according to Dr. David Nyekorach-Matsanga, who described himself as a supporting technical international law expert working with the defence.
In a statement issued on Friday shared on X handle, Nyekorach-Matsanga disclosed that he held a 15-minute meeting on July 31 with Ekpa’s lead legal team in Finland, during which they reviewed preparations for the case and agreed that the defence was ready for the proceedings.
According to him, the court process will commence on August 5, 2026, with a preparatory session involving the prosecution, defence and the court.
“On 31 July 2026, I spoke for approximately 15 minutes with the lead legal team representing Simon Ekpa in Finland, as a follow-up to my input into the case and in my capacity as a supporting technical international law expert. We agreed that the defence team is ready to proceed,” he said.
He explained that the first day of proceedings would be devoted to procedural issues.
“For the benefit of the public, I understand that 5 August 2026 will be a preparation day, during which the defence and prosecution will work with the court to establish the timetable and procedural arrangements for the proceedings,” the statement read.
Nyekorach-Matsanga further disclosed that the three days following the preparatory hearing are expected to be conducted behind closed doors, during which the court will examine evidence and intelligence to be relied upon in the case.
“The following three days are expected to involve in-camera proceedings, during which the court will consider evidence and intelligence presented in the case. The defence team will scrutinise the reliability, provenance and admissibility of all such material,” he said.
He added that, according to Ekpa’s lead lawyer, Tommi, the proceedings would be opened to the public on August 10, 2026.
“According to the lead lawyer, the open session for the public will be on 10th August 2026,” he stated.
Nyekorach-Matsanga alleged that some of the intelligence expected to feature during the proceedings may have been politically motivated, stressing that the defence intended to challenge any evidence it considered unreliable.
“It is deeply troubling when intelligence or evidence presented in legal proceedings is alleged to have been politically motivated or based on inaccurate information,” he said.
He maintained that the case should be determined strictly on credible evidence.
“The rule of law requires that every allegation be tested fairly and that justice be based on credible, independently verifiable evidence, not political narratives.”
According to him, the legal team believes its contributions will assist in contesting what it considers to be a politically motivated prosecution.
“The team led by the lead lawyer, Tommi, has assured me that our legal input will contribute to the defence’s efforts to challenge what we believe is a politically charged case and to establish the truth before the court,” he added.
Nyekorach-Matsanga also revealed that his team had previously intervened to prevent what he described as any unlawful attempt to remove Ekpa from Finland outside established legal procedures.
“I also wish to place on record that our team worked to raise concerns and prevent any unlawful attempt to remove Simon Ekpa from Finland through extradition or rendition outside the proper legal process,” he said.
He thanked individuals who contributed information and support to the legal effort.
“I thank all those who approached me and contributed ideas, information and support that enabled us to act at the appropriate time.”
He added that the Pan African Forum Ltd & Associates remained committed to ensuring justice and adherence to due process.
“Pan African Forum Ltd & Associates thanks everyone who has supported our efforts to pursue justice and uphold the rule of law,” he stated.
Distancing himself from political disputes surrounding the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement and other factions, Nyekorach-Matsanga said his involvement was limited to legal issues.
“Let me make one thing absolutely clear: I am not interested in political squabbles or factional politics.”
“My role is to pursue justice and to work for the release of Simon Ekpa if the court finds that the case against him is not supported by credible evidence.”
“After that, political differences and factional disputes are for others to resolve.”
“Our focus is simple: due process, justice and the rule of law,” he added.
Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish politician and self-acclaimed Biafra agitator, has been facing criminal proceedings in Finland ver allegations linked to his activities. Finnish authorities have yet to publicly disclose the full details of the evidence expected to be presented during the trial.
