The Finnish government has detained Simon Ekpa, a prominent leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, on serious terror-related charges. Ekpa's arrest follows a wave of investigations into alleged incitement and financial support for terrorism, highlighting concerns over his influence from abroad.
According to a report from the district court of Päijät-Häme, Simon Ekpa was placed in custody under suspicions of inciting crimes with terrorist intent. This development was confirmed by Finland's Central Criminal Police, which announced that Ekpa was the main suspect among five individuals detained in connection with terrorism-related activities.
In a statement released Thursday, the Central Criminal Police detailed that Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, allegedly used his base in Finland to fuel violence and criminal activities targeting civilians and authorities in South-Eastern Nigeria. The police disclosed that Ekpa's incitement led to heightened insecurity and multiple violent incidents in the region.
Additionally, four other suspects were arrested for allegedly financing the suspected terrorist activities, hinting at a broader network of support for the controversial leader’s campaign. Authorities emphasized that these detentions are part of an ongoing investigation aimed at uncovering the full extent of the operations and bringing those involved to justice.
The case is generating significant attention both in Finland and Nigeria, as it underscores the growing challenge of managing international dimensions of domestic conflicts.
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