Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist activist and self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, has been arrested in Finland, along with four other individuals, on suspicion of terror-related offenses.
According to local reports, the Päijät-Häme District Court has placed Ekpa in custody on charges of publicly inciting criminal acts with terrorist intent.In a statement issued on Thursday, November 21, the Finnish Central Criminal Police announced the arrest of five individuals alleged to be involved in terrorist activities.
The police reported that Simon Ekpa, identified as the primary suspect, was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the four other individuals were taken into custody “for financing a terrorist crime.”
The police statement also mentioned that “claims will be presented in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.” It further explained that the investigation focuses on “a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, who is suspected of inciting public support for a crime with terrorist intent. Authorities believe that this individual has advanced his efforts from Finland through methods that have contributed to violence against civilians and authorities, as well as other criminal activities in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria.”
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, who is leading the investigation, stated, “The man has conducted this activity, among other things, via his social media channels.” The four additional suspects are charged with financing the activities under scrutiny. “All five individuals involved in the crime were arrested at the beginning of the week,” the statement confirmed, noting that international cooperation has been essential to the preliminary investigation.