Police in Finland have detained five suspects in connection with deadly violence in southeastern Nigeria and are seeking a court extension of the detentions. The suspects have not been identified, but it was mentioned that a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen born in the 1980s is under criminal investigation.
One of the suspects, Simon Ekpa, is associated with the Biafran separatist movement and resides in Lahti. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation has requested the Päijät-Häme District Court to keep the suspects in custody.
Ekpa is a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra separatist group, which advocates for the creation of an independent Biafra state in southeastern Nigeria. Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen stated that the suspect is suspected of inciting violence against civilians and public authorities in South-East Nigeria, primarily through his social media channels.
The secessionist movement in southeastern Nigeria traces back to the 1960s when the Republic of Biafra fought a civil war to gain independence from Nigeria, resulting in significant casualties. Nigerian authorities have accused Ekpa of using social media to provoke violence among his followers, particularly young people in Nigeria.
The investigation involves international cooperation, and Nigerian authorities have been contacted for further comments. Nigeria, with a population of over 210 million, has been plagued by violence stemming from armed extremist groups. Recent social protests in the country have highlighted issues related to the cost of living and governance.
