Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, has been arrested in Finland alongside four others over alleged terrorist activities.
According to the Central Criminal Police in Finland, Ekpa was detained on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, while the other four are accused of financing terrorist activities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court heard the charges on Thursday. Authorities claim Ekpa used social media platforms to promote activities leading to violence against civilians and authorities in South-Eastern Nigeria.
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Crime Commissioner, Otto Hiltunen confirmed that the arrests followed investigations into Ekpa’s alleged actions, which included incitement to violence and other related crimes. The other suspects reportedly provided financial support for these activities.
The Central Criminal Police stated that all five suspects were apprehended earlier in the week and remain in custody as investigations continue.
The police statement further disclosed, “claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”
The statement further elaborated that the investigation centers on “a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”
Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation, stated, “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”
Simon Ekpa, who refers to himself as the Prime Minister of Biafra, has been a vocal advocate for sit-at-home orders in the South-East, despite the Indigenous People of Biafra leadership suspending the practice.
His controversial actions have drawn significant attention, particularly in the lead-up to Nigeria’s presidential and national assembly elections in February 2023.
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