Biafra Agitator Simon Ekpa Arrested in Finland

Helsinki, Finland/Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian government has confirmed the arrest of prominent Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland. In a statement released Friday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Ekpa, a Nigerian-Finnish citizen and leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was taken into custody by Finnish authorities on Thursday.

Ekpa faces charges of inciting terrorism and promoting violence. The Finnish District Court of Päijät-Häme ordered his detention based on probable cause, citing his alleged public incitement of crimes with terrorist intent.

Finnish authorities accuse Ekpa of using social media to disseminate separatist propaganda, incite violence, and encourage illegal activities, actions they claim have caused significant unrest in Nigeria’s southeastern region.

Investigators have reportedly linked Ekpa’s online activities to specific instances of violence in the country.

The Nigerian government credits Ekpa’s arrest to sustained diplomatic pressure exerted on Finland. The statement emphasises that requests for action against Ekpa were a key feature of high-level engagements between the two countries.

The Ministry described the arrest as a significant step in countering IPOB activities and neutralising the influence of transnational actors on Nigeria’s national security.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged to continue monitoring the legal proceedings in Finland and provide updates as the case unfolds.

The arrest marks a potential turning point in Nigeria’s efforts to address the ongoing security challenges linked to the activities of IPOB.