Biafra activist Simon Ekpa has been arrested in Finland over terrorism.
Newsone Nigeria reports that the self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a secessionist group in Nigeria, Simon Ekpa, has been arrested by law enforcement in Finland.
This online news platform understands that the Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, who identifies himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, was arrested along with four other individuals on allegations of terror-related crimes.
Simon Ekpa 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 confirmed the arrests in a statement released on Thursday, November 21, 2024, revealing that Ekpa was apprehended on charges of inciting crimes with terrorist motives.
It was gathered that the four other people arrested with Simon Epka 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,” the statement read.
The Finnish Police allege that Ekpa used his position and social media platforms to promote activities leading to violence against civilians and authorities in South-Eastern Nigeria.
The head of the investigation at Finland’s Central Criminal Police, Otto Hiltunen, said 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.
Meanwhile, Newsone reports Simon Ekpa’s arrest in Finland is coming weeks after he announced that he would declare Biafra Republic come December 2, 2024.
