The Federal Government has indicated it may seek the repatriation of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria following his conviction and six-year prison sentence in Finland for terrorism-related offences.
On Monday, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced the 40-year-old Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and former politician to six years in prison for multiple charges, including participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.
According to the court, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa used social media to promote the secession of Nigeria’s South-East through violence, equipping armed groups with weapons and explosives and inciting crimes from abroad. He denied all the charges but was found guilty after a 12-session trial.
Reacting to the judgment, Nigeria’s Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris, said the government will “assess the situation and take decisions in the best interest of the country,” hinting at possible repatriation. Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) added that further steps will be taken once the judgment is officially reviewed, commending Finland for its cooperation.
The Federal Government described the ruling as “a watershed moment” in the fight against extremism and a vindication of Nigeria’s stance that Ekpa’s activities fueled violence in the South-East. Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, welcomed the decision, stressing that it reinforced global accountability for terrorism sponsors.
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Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) distanced itself from Ekpa, insisting he was never a member of the group. IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said Ekpa created parallel outfits such as the “Biafra Government in Exile” and “Biafra Liberation Army,” which the group has disowned. IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described the conviction as proof that Ekpa’s activities were fraudulent and violent, warning that “no legitimate struggle can be built on lies, fraud, and violence.”
The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders also called for calm, urging youths to reject violence and embrace dialogue, while noting that the sentencing should serve as a turning point for peace in the region.
