Player released as police investigate Paul Ogunkoya for sexual assault in Kuopio

The recent release of a player from Kuopion Palloseura, who is suspected of rape, does not indicate that he is no longer under suspicion, according to emeritus professor of criminal law Matti Tolvanen. Police announced last week that they are investigating Nigerian forward Paul Ogunkoya of KuPS for sexual assault. The North Savonia District Court initially detained Ogunkoya last Wednesday based on reasonable suspicion, but he was released on Friday.

Yle has opted to publish the suspect’s name at this stage to exclude other individuals from suspicion, underlining the gravity of the allegations against a player from a highly followed championship team.

The investigation into the case is still ongoing, as confirmed by the Eastern Finland police. Tolvanen noted that detaining someone based on “reasonable suspicion” is uncommon, as individuals are typically held under “probable cause,” meaning there is a strong likelihood that they committed a crime.

Detention based on just suspicion may be aimed at safeguarding the investigation, but it can last no longer than a week. If no evidence arises during that time to justify continued detention, the individual must be released, as was the case in Kuopio.

While it is possible that the released player remains under suspicion, specific conditions for continued detention—such as flight risk or evidence tampering—are no longer applicable. Tolvanen emphasized that coercive measures and decisions regarding the continuation of investigations are separate matters. Coercive measures can include not only detention but also travel bans or wiretaps in a legal context. A court will only determine punishment after investigations and charges have been appropriately handled.