HELSINKI, Finland — On Thursday, Finnish law enforcement announced the detention of five individuals believed to be involved in violent incidents in southeastern Nigeria, and they plan to seek an extension of their custody in court.

While the police have not disclosed the names of the detainees, they did mention that a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, who was born in the 1980s, is under investigation for his alleged criminal activities.

One figure of interest in the case is Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian associated with the Biafran secessionist movement, residing in Lahti. The Päijät-Häme District Court is set to review the request made by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation to maintain custody of the suspects.

Ekpa is recognized as a prominent leader within the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group advocating for the establishment of an independent Biafra state in Nigeria’s troubled southeastern region.

According to Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen, police suspect the individual under investigation has coordinated efforts from Finland that have led to violent acts against civilians and public officials in Southeast Nigeria. Hiltunen noted that the suspect has engaged in this activity through various campaigning efforts, utilizing social media platforms.

The movement for Biafran independence traces back to the 1960s, marked by the formation of the brief Republic of Biafra, which faced a devastating civil war from 1967 to 1970. This conflict resulted in an estimated 1 million fatalities, predominantly from famine.

Nigerian authorities have accused Ekpa of inciting violence via social media, particularly among the youth in Nigeria who follow him. Finnish police emphasized that the investigation requires international collaboration to address these complex issues effectively.

Nigerian officials have been approached for their insights regarding the matter.

For several years, Nigeria, the most populous nation in Africa—home to over 210 million residents—has been plagued by violence stemming from armed extremist groups. Recent events have seen social protests erupt, fueled by a combination of increasing living costs and widespread allegations of poor governance.