Finland Authorities Arrest Simon Ekpa for Alleged Terrorist Activities

Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader Simon Ekpa has been arrested in Finland alongside four others on suspicion of terrorism-related offenses, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.

According to Finnish media outlet Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court. The charges include public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, as confirmed by the Finnish Central Criminal Police.

In a statement released on Thursday, Finnish authorities revealed that the additional suspects were detained for allegedly financing terrorism. “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 explained.

Accusations and Activities

Ekpa is accused of orchestrating violent attacks against civilians and government officials in Nigeria’s South-East region while operating from Finland. Investigators say he leveraged social media platforms to promote his separatist agenda.

Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, leading the case, noted, “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”

Additionally, the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation disclosed that Ekpa and the other suspects—two of whom are based in Helsinki—face charges of financing terrorism.

Prior Encounters with Authorities

This is not Ekpa’s first brush with Finnish law enforcement. In 2023, he was briefly detained over allegations of fundraising fraud. He has also garnered notoriety for his separatist rhetoric, particularly his calls to disrupt Nigerian elections.

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

International Cooperation

Finnish police emphasized the importance of global collaboration in advancing the investigation. Hearings for the suspects are scheduled to begin on Thursday.