The Federal Government on Monday hinted at plans to seek the repatriation of Simon Ekpa, the Nigerian-born Finnish separatist agitator, following his conviction and six-year jail term in Finland for terrorism-related offences.
Ekpa, 40, was sentenced by the Päijät-Häme District Court after being found guilty of participating in terrorist activities, inciting violence for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.
He was also ordered to remain in custody throughout his jail term.
The court ruled that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa exploited social media platforms to promote the violent secession of southeastern Nigeria under the banner of “Biafra independence.”
Judges held that he played a “significant role” in restructuring a separatist movement into an organised network, equipping armed groups classified as terrorist organisations with weapons and explosives, and encouraging his followers to commit crimes in Nigeria.
Despite denying the charges, the judges unanimously convicted him after a trial spanning 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told journalists that Nigeria would “assess the situation and take decisions in the best interest of the country,” when asked if government would pursue Ekpa’s extradition after his sentence.
Attorney General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), also welcomed the ruling, describing it as proof of international support for Nigeria’s fight against terrorism.
“We commend the Finnish authorities for their cooperation and will take appropriate further steps after reviewing the judgment,” Fagbemi said.
In an official statement, the government described the verdict as a “watershed moment” for victims of separatist violence and a strong signal of international collaboration against extremism.
“This ruling vindicates Nigeria’s consistent position that Simon Ekpa was behind the reign of terror that destabilised parts of the South-East,” Idris said.
“It also sends a message that no one who incites violence will escape justice, no matter where they hide.”
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, hailed the conviction as “a landmark victory in the global war against violent extremism,” stressing that those who fund or incite terrorism would be held accountable worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) rejected any association with Ekpa. Its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said the separatist agitator had “never held any position in IPOB or its armed wing, ESN.”
Powerful insisted that Ekpa created splinter groups such as the “Biafra Government in Exile” and the “Biafra Liberation Army” without IPOB’s involvement.
“The Finnish court itself confirmed he had nothing to do with IPOB. Linking him to our lawful movement is fraudulent and malicious,” Powerful said.
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