Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafra activist and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, has been arrested in Finland alongside four others for terrorism-related offenses.
The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme remanded Ekpa in custody on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. The other four individuals were detained for allegedly financing terrorist activities.
A statement from Finland’s Central Criminal Police confirmed that Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, is suspected of using his social media platforms to incite violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region.
The preliminary investigation reveals that the individual has promoted efforts from Finland that have led to violence and other criminal acts in Southeastern Nigeria,” said Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen.
Ekpa, who resides in Lahti and is a member of Finland’s National Coalition Party (NCP), also serves on the public transport committee in the region. His arrest comes days after deadly attacks in Nigeria’s South-East, reportedly linked to the Eastern Security Network (ESN) and IPOB, groups under his influence.
