- Arrest and Charges: Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, and four others were arrested in Finland on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
- Preliminary Investigation: Ekpa is accused of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, using social media platforms to coordinate violent actions against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region.
- Financing Terrorism: The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation disclosed that Ekpa and the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism.
- Previous Encounters with Authorities: Ekpa was briefly detained in 2023 on allegations of fundraising fraud.
- International Cooperation: Finnish police stated that international cooperation has been crucial to the ongoing investigation.
Simon Ekpa, a prominent Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, has been arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related activities. Ekpa, known for his separatist rhetoric, particularly his calls to disrupt Nigerian elections, is accused of coordinating violent actions against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region from Finland ¹.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests, stating that the other suspects were apprehended for allegedly financing terrorist activities. Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen revealed that Ekpa used his social media channels to further his agenda.
Ekpa’s arrest is not his first encounter with Finnish authorities. In 2023, he was briefly detained on allegations of fundraising fraud. His separatist group, Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), has been linked to violent activities in Nigeria.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation disclosed that Ekpa and the other suspects face charges of financing terrorism. International cooperation has been crucial to the ongoing investigation, with hearings for the suspects scheduled for Thursday.
