Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based Nigerian separatist leader, and four others have been arrested in Finland on suspicion of terror-related activities.
According to a local Finnish report, Ekpa, who identifies as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, was detained by the Päijät-Häme District Court. He faces allegations of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Central Criminal Police in Finland confirmed the arrest of five individuals over suspected terrorist crimes.
“The main suspect was arrested on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, while four others were detained on suspicion of financing terrorist activities,” the statement said.
The police noted that preliminary hearings for the suspects would take place at the Päijät-Häme District Court on November 21.
The statement further revealed that the primary suspect, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin born in the 1980s, allegedly used his platform to promote violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, leading the investigation, stated that the suspect disseminated his messages primarily through social media channels.
The police also disclosed that four additional suspects were apprehended for allegedly financing these activities. “All five individuals were arrested earlier this week,” the statement read.
The investigation, according to Finnish authorities, involved extensive international cooperation.
