Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist and political agitator accused of promoting violence in southeastern Nigeria, has been arrested in Finland along with four others on charges of inciting violence and financing terrorism.
The Central Criminal Police of Finland confirmed that Ekpa, along with the other suspects, is being investigated for “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.” The additional four suspects face charges for allegedly “financing a terrorist crime.”
A statement from the police disclosed that court hearings for the detention claims were set to take place at Päijät-Häme District Court on November 21.
According to authorities, the case centers on Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent born in the 1980s. He is suspected of using his base in Finland to incite violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria, resulting in numerous violent attacks in the region.
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, explained, “International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation.” He also confirmed that the arrests occurred earlier in the week.
Ekpa, who resides in the Lahti region and serves on Lahti’s public transport committee as a member of the National Coalition Party (NCP), has been a vocal supporter of separatist movements in Nigeria, including the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The arrest follows a series of deadly attacks in southeastern Nigeria attributed to suspected members of these groups, raising concerns about the global reach of their activities and funding networks.
