Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, along with four other individuals, has been arrested in Finland on allegations of terror-related crimes. Ekpa, who is also known as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, was remanded by the district court of Päijät-Häme on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
The Central Criminal Police in Finland on Thursday confirmed the arrests, revealing that Ekpa was apprehended on charges of inciting crimes with terrorist motives.
The four other suspects were detained for allegedly financing terrorist activities.
“The detention demands are related to the preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”.
Police stated that Ekpa used his position and social media platforms to promote activities leading to violence against civilians and authorities in South-Eastern Nigeria.
According to Otto Hiltunen, Head of the Investigation at Finland’s Central Criminal Police, the suspect’s activities were coordinated from Finland and involved international cooperation.
“The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels,” Hiltunen stated.
The authorities further disclosed that the four other individuals are suspected of providing financial support for these activities. All five suspects were arrested earlier this week, with their detention hearings held on November 21.
Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, has been a controversial figure due to his provocative rhetoric and actions linked to separatist movements in Nigeria.
Finnish authorities, working with international partners, are investigating the case to determine the extent of his involvement in fostering unrest.