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By Emmanuel Kwada
Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) and a prominent figure in the Biafra separatist movement, has been arrested in Finland on terrorism charges.
The Päijät-Häme District Court has ordered the remand of Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure in the Biafra independence movement, on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The decision, made during a court session on Thursday, follows an arraignment by the Central Criminal Police regarding Ekpa’s alleged involvement in activities contributing to violence in Nigeria’s southeastern region, reports local newspaper Helsingin Sanomat.
The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to violence against civilians in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria
Otto Hiltunen, the crime commissioner leading the investigation, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations against Ekpa. “The police suspect that the man has promoted his efforts from Finland with means that have led to violence against civilians in the region of South-Eastern Nigeria,” he stated. Hiltunen highlighted that Ekpa has reportedly utilized social media platforms to further his agenda, which has raised concerns within law enforcement regarding its impact on domestic and international security.
The court hearing also revealed that authorities have identified four additional suspects in Finland linked to Ekpa, who are believed to be financing his operations. This aspect of the investigation underlines the complexity and potential breadth of the network associated with Ekpa’s activities.
Ekpa’s alleged criminal conduct spans a significant period from August 23, 2021, to November 18, 2024
Records presented to the court indicate that Ekpa’s alleged criminal conduct spans a significant period from August 23, 2021, to November 18, 2024. He is known to be a native of Lahti, Finland, with Nigerian heritage, and his outspoken activism has garnered substantial attention online.
This is not Ekpa’s first encounter with law enforcement; he was previously arrested in February 2023 at a private residence in Lahti, although he was released the same day. Despite these legal challenges, Ekpa has maintained an active presence on social media, where he continues to advocate for the establishment of an independent Biafran nation through affiliations with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and its military wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). These groups have been implicated in widespread violence and unrest in the southeastern regions of Nigeria.
The court’s decision to remand him marks a significant step in addressing the complex issues surrounding international advocacy and domestic security
As the investigation unfolds, the ramifications of Ekpa’s activities and their implications for both Finland and Nigeria remain a point of concern for officials and citizens alike. The court’s decision to remand him marks a significant step in addressing the complex issues surrounding international advocacy and domestic security. Further developments are expected as the investigation continues.
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