A Finnish court has ordered the detention of Simon Ekpa, a separatist agitator and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, for disseminating terrorist propaganda on social media. Ekpa, along with four others, was apprehended by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on suspicion of engaging in terrorist activities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court directed his remand after investigations revealed his alleged involvement in inciting public crimes with terrorist intent. The incident reportedly took place in 2021 in the municipality of Lahti, Finland. The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in an official statement on Thursday, highlighting international cooperation in the preliminary investigation process.
According to the statement, “The main suspect was detained on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, while four others are suspected of financing that activity. All five suspects were apprehended earlier this week.”
Simon Ekpa has long been a controversial figure, notably linked to the Sit-At-Home protests in Nigeria’s Southeast region, which have disrupted economic activities. These movements have drawn widespread criticism and calls for his arrest from various quarters.
The court hearing of the case commenced on November 21, with authorities continuing to investigate the extent of the suspects' alleged involvement in the offenses.
