Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland over terrorism charges

Simon Ekpa, the Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader, has been arrested in Finland alongside four others for alleged terror-related offenses, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

According to local reports, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.

In a statement released on Thursday, November 21, the Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals suspected of terrorist activities.

According to the police, Simon Ekpa, identified as the main suspect, was detained “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the four others were apprehended “for financing a terrorist crime.”

“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 said. 0

Ekpa is accused of coordinating violent actions against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region from Finland, using social media platforms to spread his agenda.

Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, who leads the investigation, revealed, “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation disclosed that Ekpa, alongside the other suspects, two of whom reside in Helsinki, faces charges of financing terrorism.

This is not the first time Ekpa has encountered Finnish authorities. In 2023, he was briefly detained on allegations of fundraising fraud.

Ekpa has also gained notoriety for his separatist rhetoric, particularly his calls to disrupt Nigerian elections.

In 2023, he declared in a widely circulated social media video, “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory.”

Finnish police stated that international cooperation has been crucial to the ongoing investigation.

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