Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader Simon Ekpa has been arrested in Finland alongside four others on allegations of terrorism-related offenses, including incitement to violence and funding terrorist activities.
According to the Päijät-Häme District Court, Ekpa is being held on suspicion of “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
Finnish police confirmed the arrests on Thursday, with Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen stating, “The individual is suspected of using his social media channels to promote and coordinate these activities.”
The Finnish Central Criminal Police revealed that two of the other suspects, who reside in Helsinki, are accused of financing terrorism.
“These detentions are part of an extensive preliminary investigation involving a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s,” the police explained.
Ekpa is accused of orchestrating violent actions in Nigeria’s South-East region from Finland, using online platforms to spread separatist rhetoric. In a 2023 video, he declared, “No elections will be held in Biafran territory! Nigerian elections will not be allowed.”
Authorities noted that Ekpa had previously been detained in 2023 over allegations of fundraising fraud.
His latest arrest underscores the importance of international collaboration, according to Finnish police, as investigations into the case continue. Hearings for the suspects have been scheduled to take place later this week.
