Finnish Release 2 Accomplices Of Separatist Leader Simon Ekpa
The Finnish Government has released two suspects arrested alongside Simon Ekpa for alleged subversive activities, The Nation reports.
Ekpa, a separatist leader, was arrested on 21 November, 2024, along with four others for alleged terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing in Nigeria.
He was subsequently remanded in prison by the district court of Päijät-Häme over allegations of “spreading terrorist propaganda on social media.”
The five suspects have been in custody since November 2024.
However, government sources told The Nation that two of them have now been released.
The identities of the released individuals or the reasons for their release remain unclear.
While confirming the development, sources added that Simon Ekpa remains in custody.
Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Christopher Musa, announced during Channels Television programme that Nigeria had formally requested Ekpa’s extradition.
He said: “The Federal Government has actually forwarded most of the requirements to the Finnish Government. So, I’m sure the right thing will be done.”
The Finnish Government is reportedly collaborating with Nigerian authorities to address the violent activities linked to non-state actors in the Southeast.
