Police Want 14 More Days on the EPRP Terrorism File. The Court Had Already Called the Last Extension Final.

Three members and associates of the Ethiopian People's Revolutionary Party (EPRP) held on suspicion of terrorism have now been in custody for 31 days, and the federal police asked the court on Wednesday for 14 more days of investigation time — after the court had already granted a 7-day extension it described as final.

The First Appearance Bench of the Federal High Court at Lideta heard both sides and set Thursday afternoon for a ruling on the police request and on the defendants' bail application.

What police say they still need

Appearing before the court were Yeshaq Woldai, the party's lawyer, Abebe Akalu and Abera Nigus. Police listed five outstanding items behind the request for more time:

• medical evidence to be brought from the Arba Minch area
• forensic and technical test results still pending
• statements from additional witnesses
• completion of the examination of seized electronic exhibits
• records of the suspects' bank activity from private and state banks

On 28 August, the court had set a deadline of 3 September for police to complete the investigation file and present it, describing that 7-day window as the last one.

The defence position

Defence counsel argued that the suspects have been held and investigated for 31 days and that their right to bail should be respected. They noted that six witnesses have already given statements, and said the concern that the accused might influence witnesses was not backed by evidence.

On the argument that the men might leave the country, the defence said Abebe Akalu holds no passport, and that in any case the court has the power to issue a travel ban rather than keep them in custody.

The gap between an investigation described as nearly complete and a request for two more weeks of it is what the court is now being asked to rule on.

Open

Neither the specific allegations against the three nor the wider case file has been made public. Tikvah Ethiopia attributes its account of the hearing to defence lawyer Solomon Gezahegn.

Sources: Tikvah Ethiopia, 3 September 2026