Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born activist and controversial figure, has been ordered to prison by a Finnish court on Thursday over alleged involvement in terrorism-related activities.
The Central Criminal Police of Finland suspects Ekpa of inciting violence and financing terrorism, raising serious concerns about his activities both in Finland and Nigeria.
Why Was Simon Ekpa Arrested?
According to the Finnish police, Ekpa is suspected of using his platform to promote violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria. The alleged crimes include public incitement to commit acts of terrorism and organizing activities that have led to violence.
Investigators claim Ekpa has been operating from Lahti, Finland, where he allegedly coordinated efforts through social media to incite unrest and other criminal activities tied to his advocacy for the independence of Biafra in Nigeria.
Details of the Court Ruling
The Päijät-Häme District Court ruled on Thursday that Ekpa be detained on probable cause for public incitement to commit terrorist acts. This follows allegations that his activities between August 2021 and November 2024 contributed to violence in southeastern Nigeria. The court also revealed that four other suspects are being investigated for financing terrorist activities in connection with Ekpa’s actions.
The suspected crimes of the other four individuals, who are foreign nationals born in the 1960s and 1970s, reportedly occurred in Lahti as well, during August 2022. Finnish authorities have emphasized that international cooperation played a critical role in their investigations.
Simon Ekpa’s Role in the Biafran Movement
Ekpa is a well-known figure in Finland and Nigeria, particularly for his involvement in the separatist movement of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He has claimed to act as a deputy leader of IPOB and has allegedly commanded its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The Finnish police allege that Ekpa used his social media channels to promote acts of violence, including boycotting Nigeria’s presidential elections and advocating for the independence of Biafra. While Ekpa has positioned himself as a key leader in the movement, some IPOB members have accused him of misusing the name of its imprisoned leader, Nnamdi Kanu, and have distanced themselves from his actions.
Previous Arrest and Controversy
This is not the first time Ekpa has come under the radar of Finnish authorities. In February 2023, he was briefly detained and questioned in Lahti over similar allegations before being released. During that time, Nigerian authorities expressed concerns that Ekpa’s actions could destabilize the country, even summoning Finland’s ambassador to address the issue.
In a statement, Finnish officials condemned any form of violence or incitement and affirmed their commitment to ensuring that such activities are not tolerated.
What Happens Next?
The investigation into Ekpa’s activities is ongoing, with Finnish authorities withholding specific details about the nature of the suspected crimes. If found guilty, the charges could carry severe penalties under Finnish law. Meanwhile, the police are also pushing for the detention of the other four suspects linked to the case.
As of now, Simon Ekpa has not issued a public statement regarding the allegations. His social media accounts, which have been central to his activism, remain under scrutiny by Finnish authorities.
The Bigger Picture
Simon Ekpa’s arrest highlights the increasing complexity of tackling transnational activism and the potential for social media platforms to be used in ways that incite violence. While the situation continues to develop, it has already drawn significant attention in both Finland and Nigeria, with governments and citizens closely watching how the case unfolds.
For now, Ekpa’s supporters and critics remain divided, while legal proceedings in Finland take their course.
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Source: MandyNews.com
