Finnish-Nigerian separatist leader Simon Ekpa has been arrested in Finland, along with four others, on allegations of terrorism-related activities, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.

Local media outlet Yle reported that the Päijät-Häme District Court ordered Ekpa's detention on charges of publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent. The Finnish Central Criminal Police confirmed the arrests in a statement, stating that the other suspects are being investigated for allegedly funding terrorist activities.

“The detention demands are part of a preliminary investigation involving a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, suspected of public incitement to commit terrorist-related crimes,” Finnish police said.

Ekpa is accused of orchestrating violent actions targeting civilians and authorities in Nigeria's southeast region, using social media platforms to advance his agenda. According to Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, who is leading the investigation, “The suspect has engaged in these activities, among other ways, through his social media channels.”

The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation revealed that two of the suspects, who reside in Helsinki, are also being charged with financing terrorism.

This is not the first time Ekpa has come under scrutiny from Finnish authorities. In 2023, he was briefly detained over allegations of fundraising fraud. He has also drawn attention for his separatist rhetoric, including calls to disrupt Nigerian elections. In a widely shared video in 2023, Ekpa declared, “No elections will be held! Nigerian elections will not be allowed in Biafran territory.”

Finnish police emphasized the importance of international cooperation in advancing the investigation. Hearings for the suspects are set to commence on Thursday.