Simon Ekpa Arrested By Police In Finland Over Alleged Terrorism

Finnish-Nigerian separatist, Simon Ekpa and four others have been arrested in Finland on terrorism-related charges.

Authorities alleged that Ekpa used his leadership role in a Nigerian separatist group to incite actions leading to violence against civilians and officials in southeastern Nigeria, coordinating much of this activity from Finland, including through social media.

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has also requested the detention of four additional individuals suspected of funding terrorist activities.

Local reports in Finland state that Ekpa, who calls himself the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, was remanded by the Päijät-Häme district court for public incitement to commit terrorist acts.

In a statement released Thursday, Finland’s Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals, with Simon Ekpa identified as the main suspect.

The police added: “Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”

Authorities suspect him of promoting activities from Finland that have resulted in violence and other crimes in southeastern Nigeria.

The statement reads, “The detention demands are related to the preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian background, born in the 1980s, is 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.”

According to Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, the investigation reveals that Ekpa advanced his separatist agenda primarily through social media.

He said that “the man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels”.

“Four other persons are suspected of financing the aforementioned activity. All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week.

“International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation,” the statement added.

Simon Ekpa, who resides in the Lahti region, has also been active in Finnish politics. He serves on the public transport committee in Lahti and has been linked to the National Coalition Party (NCP).

However, NCP Secretary Timo Elo declined to confirm or deny Ekpa’s membership, citing confidentiality rules.

Timo Elo added that a terrorism-related charge against a party member would likely result in expulsion.

The case has drawn attention due to Simon Ekpa’s dual role as a Finnish political figure and leader of a Nigerian separatist group advocating for an independent Biafran state. Further hearings are expected as investigations continue.

KanyiDaily recalls that Finnish police arrested Simon Ekpa on suspicion of fundraising fraud in 2023, but released him later the same evening.