- Simon Ekpa, leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, has been arrested in Finland on terrorism charges
- Ekpa used social media to incite violence in Nigeria, calling for boycotts and justifying violence against the government according to Finland authorities
- In a wider investigation, four additional individuals have been arrested for financing terrorism-related activities
Simon Ekpa, the individual who identifies as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in-Exile (BRGIE), has been arrested in Finland for alleged involvement in terrorist activities.
The Central Criminal Police in Finland confirmed the arrest in a statement released on its website on Thursday, November 21.
Finnish authorities detain Simon Ekpa, four others
Reports confirmed that the District Court of Päijät-Häme has remanded Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian municipal politician from Lahti, on charges of allegedly inciting terrorism-related crimes.
According to the police, the main suspect was arrested “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent”, while, “four other persons are suspected of financing the aforementioned activity. All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week.”
The police further said, “International cooperation has been carried out during the preliminary investigation.
“Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”
Ekpa, Biafran separatist leader, arrested on terrorism charges
Simon Ekpa, who has served in local roles for Finland's National Coalition Party (NCP), is a current member of Lahti's public transport committee. He also leads a separatist organisation in Nigeria pushing for the creation of an independent Biafran state in the southeastern part of the country.
Ekpa is based in the Lahti region. He has previously faced criminal allegations. In 2023, he was arrested by Finnish police on suspicion of fundraising fraud but was released that evening.
Global attention has been focused on Ekpa's separatist activism, especially his repeated calls to boycott elections in Nigeria.
Ekpa supports violence against Nigerian Government
Ekpa made public statements justifying the use of violence. "I support violence against Nigerian government forces. This is self-defence. They constantly attack us and have committed numerous war crimes. We have no choice but to defend ourselves," Ekpa stated.
Authorities believe Ekpa directed these efforts from Finland, using his social media platforms to incite harmful actions. As the self-proclaimed "Prime Minister" of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, his activities have drawn concerns about his influence on regional instability.
Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen in a statement said, "This activity has been carried out, among other means, via social media channels.”
Rep visits Nnamdi Kanu in detention, resolves access restriction to his lawyers
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the House of Reps member Obi Aguocha visited Nnamdi Kanu in detention, successfully resolving restrictions on his legal team's access to the IPOB leader.
The visit aimed to find a political solution to Kanu’s continued detention, addressing legal and health concerns raised by his lawyers