Lawyers say Simon Ekpa will be released November 17, not earlier, as viral video claims otherwise

Lawyers for detained Nigerian-born separatist leader Simon Ekpa have confirmed November 17, 2026, as the date of his release from custody in Finland, Sahara Reporters reported, after a viral video claimed he had already been freed. The video showed a man who appeared to be Ekpa walking out of a building said to be the facility where he was detained, while another man in a vehicle announced it was November 5 and that he had been freed. The International Legal Voluntary Technical Team of Pan African Forum Ltd & Associates issued the clarification on Friday.

“Following my discussion one hour ago with my colleague and Simon Ekpa’s lead lawyer Tommi, I can confirm that 17th November 2026 is the scheduled date for his release from custody,” the statement said. The East Finland Court of Appeal reduced Ekpa’s sentence from six to four years on October 15, while upholding his terrorism-related convictions. The ruling is not yet final, the report added.