The Federal Government has indicated it may seek the repatriation of Simon Ekpa, the Nigerian-born Finnish citizen convicted of terrorism-related offences in Finland, once he completes his six-year prison term.
On Monday, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced the 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti to six years in prison after finding him guilty of 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.
Ekpa, who denied all the allegations, was ordered to remain in custody.
Terrorism Charges and Conviction
According to the court’s judgment, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa actively sought to advance the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through violent and unlawful means.
The court found that he exploited his social media presence to build political influence, manipulated internal disputes within separatist groups, and played a “significant role” in transforming the movement into a more organised structure.
Evidence presented during the trial revealed that armed groups classified as terrorist organisations were created under his leadership. Ekpa allegedly supplied them with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his network, while also urging followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit violent acts in Nigeria.
The trial spanned 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, before a three-judge panel that unanimously delivered the verdict.
FG Reacts, Hints at Repatriation
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, disclosed that the government would “assess the situation and take decisions in the best interest of the country” regarding Ekpa’s possible repatriation after serving his sentence.
Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), added that appropriate steps would follow once Nigeria officially receives and reviews the court’s judgment.
In a statement, the Federal Government welcomed the conviction, describing it as a “watershed moment” in the global fight against terrorism and a boost to international cooperation.
“This ruling is not only a vindication for countless innocent Nigerians who suffered from the violence incited and financed by Ekpa, but also a testament to the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland,” Idris said.
The government commended the Finnish judiciary for upholding the rule of law and reiterated its commitment to using legal, diplomatic, and security channels to safeguard Nigeria’s sovereignty.
Idris also urged followers of Ekpa and others involved in separatist violence to renounce armed struggle:
“Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.”
Military, IPOB Reactions
Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, hailed the ruling as a “landmark victory” in the global fight against terrorism, stressing that “those who incite violence and fund terrorism will be held accountable, regardless of their location.”
Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) distanced itself from Ekpa. In a statement signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group insisted that Ekpa was never part of IPOB or its armed wing, ESN.
“In court, Ekpa himself admitted he had disowned IPOB, described himself merely as a ‘content creator,’ and even boasted he would destroy IPOB,” the group said, accusing him of creating parallel splinter groups unaffiliated with their movement.
