The Federal Government of Nigeria has hinted it may seek the repatriation of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa following his conviction in Finland for terrorism-related offences.
Naija News reports that the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen, to six years imprisonment after finding him guilty of multiple charges, including:
- Participation in a terrorist organisation
- Incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes
- Aggravated tax fraud
- Violations of the Lawyers Act
The 40-year-old former Lahti municipal politician was ordered to remain in custody.
According to the ruling, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa actively pushed for the independence of the so-called Biafra region through illegal means. The court disclosed that he used social media influence to exploit internal divisions within separatist groups, positioning himself as a central figure.
The judges noted that Ekpa was instrumental in structuring armed groups classified as terrorist organisations, supplying them with weapons, explosives, and ammunition. He also encouraged followers on 𝕏 (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria.
The high-profile trial lasted 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, with three judges unanimously delivering the guilty verdict. Ekpa, however, denied all charges.
In response, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, suggested that Abuja may seek Ekpa’s return. When asked if the government would request his repatriation after serving his sentence, Idris said:
“The Nigerian government will assess the situation and take decisions in the best interest of the country.”
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