FG weighs Ekpa’s repatriation after Finland jails him for terrorism

On Monday, a Finnish court sentenced Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen, to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes, sparking reactions from the Federal Government of Nigeria and groups in the South-East. The Päijät-Häme District Court found the 40-year-old guilty of participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. The court ruled that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa promoted the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal means, using social media to gain influence and encouraging violence. He denied all charges.

The judgment stated that Ekpa played a key role in founding and strengthening the separatist movement, helping to establish armed groups that the court described as terrorist organisations. He was also accused of supplying weapons and inciting followers on social media to commit crimes in Nigeria. The trial lasted 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25 this year, with three judges delivering a unanimous verdict.

In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, said the government would consider seeking Ekpa’s repatriation after his prison term. The Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, added that the government would review the judgment before taking further steps, while commending Finnish authorities for their cooperation. The Federal Government described the conviction as a watershed moment in the global fight against extremism and a signal of stronger Nigeria–Finland ties. It also urged followers of Ekpa and other separatists to lay down their arms, stressing that violence and division cannot bring progress.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, hailed the ruling as a “landmark victory” in the international effort against terrorism, emphasising that those who incite violence will face justice regardless of location.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) distanced itself from Ekpa, insisting he had no role in the organisation. IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said Ekpa created parallel groups, including the “Biafra Government in Exile” and “Biafra Liberation Army,” which the group rejected. IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described the conviction as a warning against fraud and violence, accusing Ekpa of misleading followers with false promises and turning the South-East into a theatre of bloodshed.

The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders also urged peace and dialogue, warning against using the sentencing as an excuse for politically motivated persecution. Its president, Goodluck Ibem, said the region needed unity and development, not violence.

As the dust settles on the judgment, Nigeria’s government, defence chiefs, and Igbo leaders have all framed the conviction as an opportunity to weaken violent separatist movements and press for peace, while IPOB continues to insist that its struggle for self-determination remains lawful and distinct from Ekpa’s actions.