Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, has been arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
According to Finnish media outlet Yle, the Päijät-Häme District Court remanded Ekpa in custody, charging him with public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests, stating that the other suspects were detained for allegedly supporting terrorist activities financially.
“The detention demands are tied to a preliminary investigation involving a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to commit terrorism-related crimes,” the police revealed.
Ekpa has been accused of orchestrating violent actions targeting civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region. Authorities claim he used social media platforms to propagate his agenda.
Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, stated, “The individual has conducted this activity, among other methods, via his social media channels.”
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation added that Ekpa, along with two of the other suspects residing in Helsinki, is also facing charges of financing terrorism.
This isn’t Ekpa’s first encounter with Finnish law enforcement. In 2023, he was briefly detained over allegations of fraudulent fundraising. He is also known for his separatist rhetoric and calls to disrupt Nigerian elections.
In a viral social media video from 2023, Ekpa declared, “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory.”
Finnish authorities emphasized the importance of international collaboration in the ongoing investigation. Hearings for the suspects are scheduled for Thursday.
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