Authorities in Finland have detained Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra separatist leader, along with four other individuals, over alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities connected to Nigeria.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti ordered the detention following investigations by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Ekpa, known for his leadership in the Nigerian separatist group IPOB Autopilots, is accused of inciting crimes with terrorist intent.
According to Finnish media reports, the NBI claims that Ekpa used his social media platforms to coordinate violent activities in southeastern Nigeria, targeting civilians and government forces. The NBI also revealed that Ekpa and the other suspects, residents of Lahti and Helsinki, allegedly financed terrorism and organized operations under the guise of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).
Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen confirmed that all five suspects were apprehended earlier this week. One of the suspects reportedly has no registered address in Finland.
This is not the first time Finnish authorities have detained Ekpa. In February 2023, he was briefly arrested following Nigeria’s concerns over his inciting remarks and the imposition of a controversial sit-at-home order in the South-East region.
Further investigations revealed that Ekpa and his associates fund their operations through various means, including fundraising events, cryptocurrency ventures, merchandise sales, and alleged extortion. These efforts are reportedly aimed at expanding their militia activities.
The sit-at-home orders enforced by Ekpa’s faction have caused widespread disruption in Nigeria’s South-East, initially introduced as a peaceful protest for the release of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. However, the enforcement has turned violent, leading to loss of lives, destruction of property, and significant economic losses. A 2023 report estimated that micro-businesses in the region lost an average of ₦4.618 trillion ($10.495 billion) in one year due to these orders.
