The Federal Government of Nigeria has indicated it will pursue the repatriation of Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafra separatist agitator, following his conviction and six-year prison sentence for terrorism-related offences in Finland.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Monday found the Nigerian-born Finnish citizen guilty on a range of serious charges. The 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted for participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and multiple violations of the Lawyers Act.
The court ordered that Ekpa, who has been in pre-trial detention, remain in custody.
Connection to Violence in Southeast Nigeria
Ekpa is a key figure in the movement for the secession of Biafra from Nigeria and is a self-proclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). While operating from his base in Finland, Ekpa has been known for issuing frequent sit-at-home orders to his followers in Nigeria’s southeastern states.
The Nigerian government has long accused him of being a mastermind of the violence and enforcement of these orders, which have often been linked to killings, arson, and disruption of economic and social activities in the region. His arrest in Finland last year was hailed by Nigerian authorities as a significant step towards restoring peace in the troubled southeast.
Nigerian Government Welcomes Verdict
A senior Nigerian government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Abuja was closely monitoring the case and views the conviction as a vindication of its long-standing claims against Ekpa.
“The verdict in Finland aligns with our position that Simon Ekpa is a terrorist fuelling violence and instability in Nigeria,” the official stated. “We are now initiating necessary diplomatic and legal processes to seek his repatriation to face the full weight of Nigerian justice for his actions.”
The Nigerian government is expected to formally request his extradition after the sentencing process in Finland is concluded, though this could be subject to appeals and complex legal challenges.
The Finnish Court’s Findings
During the trial, Finnish prosecutors presented evidence that Ekpa had played a central role in leading an unnamed terrorist organisation, which Nigerian sources identify as a faction of IPOB. The court found that he had used his online platforms to incite his followers to commit acts of violence, including attacks on public infrastructure and individuals, with the intent to cause widespread fear and advance his political cause.
The additional convictions for tax fraud and violating the Lawyers Act relate to his operations of a legal service firm without the required qualifications or licensing.
With the sentence handed down, the focus now shifts to the potential extradition battle between Nigeria and Finland, a process that will be closely watched by both nations and international observers.
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