FG Considers Repatriation of Simon Ekpa After Six-Year Terrorism Conviction in Finland

The Federal Government has indicated it may seek the repatriation of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria following his conviction and six-year jail sentence in Finland for terrorism-related offences.

On Monday, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced the 40-year-old Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and former politician from Lahti to six years in prison. Ekpa was found guilty on multiple counts, including participation in terrorist activities, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and breaches of the Lawyers Act. The court ordered his continued detention.

According to the ruling, Ekpa used social media between August 2021 and November 2024 to push for the independence of the so-called Biafra region through unlawful means. Judges concluded that he exploited divisions within a separatist movement to assume a major role in its organisation, helping to form armed groups classified as terrorist organisations. Evidence showed he procured weapons, explosives, and ammunition for these groups and encouraged followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria.

The trial, which spanned 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, ended with a unanimous verdict by a three-judge panel. Ekpa denied all charges.

Reacting to the judgment, Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, told newsmen that Nigeria would evaluate the possibility of seeking his repatriation. “The government will assess the situation and take decisions in the best interest of the country,” he said. Similarly, Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), confirmed that further steps would follow after Nigeria formally receives and reviews the judgment.

The Federal Government welcomed the conviction, describing it as a milestone in the global fight against terrorism and extremism. Idris noted that the ruling vindicated Nigeria’s stance and strengthened bilateral cooperation with Finland. He called on Ekpa’s followers and others engaged in separatist violence to renounce armed struggle, stressing that “Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.”

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, also hailed the verdict as a “landmark victory” in combating terrorism. In a statement issued by Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, he emphasised that international cooperation had once again shown its power in addressing global security threats.

Meanwhile, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) distanced itself from Ekpa, stressing in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, that he was never part of IPOB or the Eastern Security Network. The group accused Ekpa of running parallel movements such as the “Biafra Government in Exile” and “Biafra Liberation Army,” all rejected by IPOB.

Echoing this, IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described the conviction as a warning against fraud and manipulation disguised as self-determination. He argued that Ekpa’s violent tactics misled vulnerable followers and undermined IPOB’s peaceful campaign.

In the South-East, the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) urged all parties to embrace peace, unity, and dialogue in light of the ruling. President-General Goodluck Ibem said the judgment should be seen as an opportunity to foster justice and development in the region rather than inflame further conflict.

While Ekpa faces years behind bars in Finland, his conviction continues to stir debate across Nigeria and abroad, with the Federal Government weighing diplomatic and legal steps on his possible repatriation.