Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader and self-declared Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, has been arrested in Finland along with four others on charges related to terrorism.
Local reports confirm that Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on November 21, facing allegations of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police issued a statement revealing the arrest of five individuals suspected of involvement in terrorist activities. Ekpa, identified as the primary suspect, is accused of inciting criminal acts with terrorist motives, while the four others are charged with financing these activities.
The police statement clarified that the investigation centers on a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, who allegedly promoted violent actions against civilians and authorities in South-Eastern Nigeria. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, overseeing the investigation, noted that Ekpa’s activities were primarily conducted through his social media platforms.
The other suspects are accused of supporting and financing these terrorist acts. All five were arrested earlier this week, and the police highlighted the importance of international cooperation in the ongoing investigation.