Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, has been arrested in Finland along with four other individuals over alleged terrorism-related offenses. Finnish authorities disclosed that the arrests were made following suspicions of public incitement and financing of crimes linked to terrorism.

The Päijät-Häme District Court remanded Ekpa on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. A statement from Finland’s Central Criminal Police confirmed that Ekpa, born in the 1980s and a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, is accused of promoting violence against civilians and authorities in South-Eastern Nigeria through his activities, particularly on social media platforms.

The police outlined that Ekpa’s efforts from Finland have allegedly led to crimes, including violent attacks, in Nigeria. Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, who is heading the investigation, emphasized that social media played a significant role in Ekpa’s activities. Four others arrested in connection with the case are accused of financing the activities under investigation.

The Finnish police indicated that all five suspects were taken into custody earlier in the week and are facing judicial proceedings. The authorities highlighted the importance of international collaboration in advancing the ongoing investigations.

The arrests bring renewed attention to Ekpa’s controversial activism, which has been linked to escalating violence in Nigeria’s South-East. As investigations continue, the case underscores the global nature of digital platforms and their potential use in fueling regional conflicts. Further details are expected as judicial proceedings progress.