Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland over alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities.
Ekpa, who claims to be the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, was apprehended by the Päijät-Häme district court on charges of inciting crimes with terrorist motives.
According to Finland’s Central Criminal Police, the arrests occurred earlier this week as part of an investigation into terrorism. While Ekpa is accused of encouraging acts of violence with terrorist intentions, the other four suspects face allegations of financing terrorism.
The police identified Ekpa as a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, and stated that he allegedly used his influence from Finland to incite violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, said social media was a key platform for Ekpa’s activities.
Authorities noted that the arrests resulted from international cooperation, and investigations into the suspects are ongoing.
