Simon Ekpa, four others arrested in Finland over terrorism

Finnish-Nigerian separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, along with four other individuals, has been arrested in Finland in connection with terror-related activities.

According to a report from Finland, Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, was remanded in custody by the District Court of Päijät-Häme on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

In a statement published on Thursday, the Central Criminal Police of Finland confirmed the arrest of five suspects linked to terrorist crimes.

The police noted that the main suspect was detained “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while four others were arrested “for financing a terrorist crime.”

The police added: “Claims will be heard in the Päijät-Häme District Court today, November 21.”

The statement further explained: “The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation, in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

“The police suspect that the individual has facilitated violent acts against civilians and authorities, as well as other crimes, in the South-Eastern region of Nigeria.”

Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen of the Central Criminal Police stated that “the suspect has carried out these activities, among other means, through his social media channels.”

The police also disclosed that the other four suspects are accused of financing the alleged activities. All five were apprehended earlier this week, with international cooperation aiding the ongoing investigation.

Further hearings and investigations are expected as Finnish authorities continue their probe into the case.