The Finnish government has released two individuals who were detained alongside Simon Ekpa in connection with alleged subversive activities, The Nation reports.
Ekpa, a leader advocating for separatism, was apprehended on 21 November 2024, along with four others, for suspected involvement in terrorism-related offenses such as inciting violence and funding terrorism in Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Terrorism: Finnish court sets May 2025 date for Simon Ekpa’s trial
Following his arrest, Ekpa was sent to prison by the Päijät-Häme district court over charges of “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.”
The five individuals have been held in custody since November 2024.
However, sources within the government informed The Nation that two of the detainees have now been released.
The identities of those released and the reasons for their release have not been disclosed.
Sources confirmed the development and added that Simon Ekpa remains in detention.
In a separate development, Chief of Defence Staff, CDS, Gen. Christopher Musa confirmed on a Channels Television program that Nigeria has officially requested Ekpa’s extradition.
He stated: “The Federal Government has actually forwarded most of the requirements to the Finnish Government. So, I’m sure the right thing will be done.”
Reports suggest that the Finnish Government is working with Nigerian authorities to address the violent activities associated with non-state actors in the Southeast.
Crediblenewsng.com
