Terror charges: Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader Simon Ekpa arrested in Finland
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader alongside four others, has been arrested on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Ekpa is accused of coordinating violent actions against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region from Finland, using social media platforms to further his agenda.
According to a report from a local publication, Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrest of five individuals suspected of terrorist activities in a statement released on Thursday, November 21.
According to the statement, Simon Ekpa, identified as the main suspect, was detained “on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” while the four others were apprehended “for financing a terrorist crime.”
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.”
“Claims will be heard in Päijät-Häme district court today, November 21.”
The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland by means that have led to violence against civilians and authorities as well as other crimes in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria.”
Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen, head of the investigation, stated: “The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels.”
“All five suspects of the crime have been arrested during the beginning of the week,” the statement confirmed, adding that international cooperation has been integral to the preliminary investigation.
Source: The Nation
