Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist and self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, has been arrested in Finland alongside four others over allegations of terrorist activities.
Local reports reveal that the Finnish Central Criminal Police took Ekpa into custody on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The arrests are part of a broader investigation into acts of violence allegedly incited by Ekpa through his social media channels, targeting civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police announced on Thursday that five individuals had been arrested earlier in the week. While Ekpa faces accusations of inciting terror-related crimes, the other four suspects are alleged to have financed such activities. The Finnish authorities confirmed that the group’s detention was approved by the Päijät-Häme District Court on November 21, 2024.
Related NewsUwazuruike: Simon Ekpa Is Not Fighting for Biafra Independence
The police have indicated that the investigation involved international collaboration, given the transnational nature of the alleged offenses. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen noted that Ekpa’s activities were primarily conducted online, where he allegedly incited violence and promoted actions that resulted in unrest in Nigeria.
Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure with dual citizenship in Nigeria and Finland, has been a vocal advocate for Biafran secession. His activities and rhetoric have sparked widespread criticism and accusations of fueling violence in Nigeria’s southeast region. This is not Ekpa’s first encounter with Finnish authorities; he was briefly detained in February 2023 but was released after questioning.
The Finnish authorities have reassured the public that thorough investigations are underway, with the Päijät-Häme District Court set to hear claims and determine the next steps in the case.
