Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, has been arrested in Finland on charges related to terrorism.
Ekpa, along with four others, was detained by Finnish authorities in connection with terrorist activities.
According to reports from Finland, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court, where he faces suspicion of inciting public crimes with terrorist intent.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed in a statement on Thursday that five individuals were arrested during a series of operations targeting terrorism-related crimes.
The police clarified that Ekpa, the primary suspect, was arrested for allegedly promoting violent acts through public incitement with terrorist motives.
The four others were apprehended on charges of financing terrorism-related activities.
The statement further detailed that Ekpa, born in the 1980s, is suspected of using his platform in Finland to incite violence against both civilians and government authorities in South-Eastern Nigeria.
Authorities say his actions were largely facilitated through social media channels.
Head of the investigation, Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, emphasized that the suspects’ activities, including financing terrorist crimes, were part of an ongoing investigation.
Hiltunen confirmed that international cooperation was involved in the inquiry.
The district court of Päijät-Häme is expected to hear the charges on November 21.
