₦airaland Forum

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

The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Monday sentenced the Nigerian-born Finnish to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes and other offences.

The 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted on 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.

The court ordered that Ekpa remain in custody.

According to the judgment, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa attempted to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through illegal means.

“He used social media to gain a politically influential position and took advantage of the confusion within a key separatist movement in Nigeria to play a significant role in it,” the court statement stated as reported by BBC News pidgin.

Ekpa denied all the charges against him.

The court also found that Ekpa was instrumental in founding and developing the separatist movement into a more organised structure, working alongside others.

It was revealed during the trial that armed groups were established under the movement, which the court classified as terrorist organisations.

“Ekpa equipped the groups with weapons, explosives and ammunition through his contact network. He also urged and enticed his followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria,” the court said.

The trial was conducted over 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, with a panel of three judges unanimously delivering the verdict.

While speaking with The PUNCH on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hinted about the possibility of the Federal Government seeking the repatriation of Ekpa.

When asked whether the government intended to request Ekpa’s repatriation at the end of his jail term, Idris replied, “The Nigerian government will assess the situation and take decisions in the best interest of the country.”

Similarly, the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), in a statement, noted that further steps would be taken once the judgment has been officially reviewed.


“We commend the Finnish authorities for supporting Nigeria in the fight against insecurity and see this as a signal of future collaboration.

“Appropriate further actions will be taken upon receipt and study of a copy of the court’s judgment,” the statement read.

FG, CDS

Reacting to the verdict, the FG welcomed the decision, describing it as a major step in the global fight against extremism and a boost to international legal cooperation.

In a statement signed by Idris, the government said, “This ruling stands as a watershed moment – not only for the countless innocent Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods have been brutally disrupted by the reign of terror incited and financed by Ekpa and his collaborators—but also for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland.”

The government commended the Finnish judiciary for what it described as a firm stand in upholding the rule of law, while reiterating its commitment to using diplomatic, legal, and security channels to maintain national peace and sovereignty.

Idris noted, “By upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served, the Finnish judiciary has not only vindicated Nigeria’s consistent position on this matter but also sent a clear signal to extremists everywhere that the world is watching, and justice will catch up with those who seek to destabilise societies through terror.”

The statement also reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintaining peace and unity through all available means—diplomatic, military, and judicial.

Calling on followers of Ekpa and others involved in separatist violence to renounce armed struggle, the government urged them to lay down their arms and embrace peace.

“We urge all those who, under the misguidance of Simon Ekpa and others, have taken up arms against their fatherland to immediately lay them down and embrace the path of peace.

“Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.”

The minister also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies, the Armed Forces, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Office of the National Security Adviser for their continued efforts in maintaining national security amid ongoing challenges.

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, also welcomed the ruling, describing it as “a landmark victory in the global effort to combat terrorism and violent extremism.”

In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the CDS stated, “The conviction reinforces the principle that those who incite violence and fund terrorism will be held accountable, regardless of their location.”

Musa also commended Nigeria’s law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and diplomats, saying their work demonstrated the power of international collaboration.

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“The success reflects the power of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing transnational threats,” the statement read.

IPOB react

Amid the conviction, the Indigenous People of Biafra distanced itself from Ekpa, insisting he was never part of their organisation.

In a statement signed by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Director, Emma Powerful, the group declared, “IPOB under oath in a Finnish court testified that Simon Ekpa has never held any position in IPOB or ESN.

“Ekpa himself under oath described himself merely as a “content creator,” admitted he disowned IPOB, and boasted that he would destroy IPOB.”

The statement further accused Ekpa of creating parallel groups unaffiliated with the main organisation.

“Ekpa created his own parallel contraptions: “Biafra Government in Exile,” “Biafra Liberation Army,” and “Biafra Defence Force” — entities repudiated and condemned by IPOB,” it stated.

Rejecting any connection to the convicted separatist, Powerful said, “The Indigenous People of Biafra, under the command of our unlawfully detained Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, issues this urgent rebuttal to the false and malicious attempt by the Nigerian government and its compromised media collaborators to link the conviction of one Simon Ekpa in Finland to IPOB’s lawful activities.

“This is a brazen fraud against truth and justice. The world must know that the question of Simon Ekpa’s non-membership in IPOB is already judicially settled in Finland,” the statement read.

Powerful also cautioned against using the conviction to undermine IPOB or influence legal proceedings involving Kanu.

He called on the international community to intervene.

The media director said, “We call upon global actors of conscience such as European Union and Finland. You bear direct responsibility for ensuring your judicial findings are not misrepresented abroad.

“The Finnish court exonerated IPOB of any link to Simon Ekpa. We demand clarity be issued to Nigeria to stop this malicious misuse.

“IPOB is a peaceful movement registered under international law, committed to lawful self-determination.”

Furthermore, an apex social-political youth organisation in Igbo land, the Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders, said the sentencing of Ekpa, should engender peace and justice for residents of the region rather than heighten politically-motivated prosecutions and persecutions.

The President-General of the youth group, Goodluck Ibem, told The PUNCH, “The Coalition of South East Youth Leaders acknowledges the judgment delivered by the Finnish court sentencing Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related activities.

“As a group committed to peace, justice, and the protection of the lives and dignity of our people, we are closely watching this development and its implications for the South-East region of Nigeria.

“We call on all agitating parties, both at home and abroad, to embrace dialogue, constructive engagement, and non-violence. The South East is in desperate need of peace, development, and unity—not bloodshed and fear.

“We also call on youths to reject any form of violence and work towards rebuilding the social and economic fabric of Ala Igbo.”

IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described Simon Ekpa’s conviction as a stern warning against fraud, violence, and false claims of self-determination.

Speaking on Monday, Ejiofor said the conviction highlighted that no lies, propaganda, or fraudulent appeals could shield a criminal enterprise built on deception and bloodshed.

“The conviction of Simon Ekpa by a Finnish District Court does not surprise me. His offences, the weakness of his defense, and the inevitable collapse of his fraudulent empire were evident from the start,” he said.

Ejiofor added that Ekpa, in his bid to usurp the authority of IPOB’s Directorate of State, had been supported by individuals and groups intent on derailing the genuine struggle for self-determination and turning Ala-Igbo into a theatre of violence and exploitation.

For a time, his reckless declarations misled vulnerable followers. His so-called ‘foot soldiers’ falsely claimed IPOB membership, tarnishing the image of a peaceful global movement and giving the Nigerian state excuses to target innocent agitators,” he said.

According to Ejiofor, Ekpa built his criminal operation by defrauding followers with false promises of warships, fighter jets, and imminent Biafra independence. IPOB leadership repeatedly condemned his actions, distancing the peaceful movement from his violence, yet he continued to receive covert support from certain individuals—some of whom now call for his punishment.

“Ekpa’s conviction, in a jurisdiction that respects human rights and the rule of law, teaches that no amount of deception can protect a criminal enterprise. His trial was about fraud and funding violence, not self-determination,” Ejiofor said.

He urged the public to reject criminality and emotional manipulation, warning that those still glorifying Ekpa are not freedom fighters but exploiters of their people.

“The scars left by his deceit will take years to heal. Let this be a clear lesson: no legitimate struggle can be built on lies, fraud, and violence. Ala-Igbo’s future must never again be left in the hands of impostors seeking personal gain,” he concluded.

Source: https://punchng.com/terrorism-trial-fg-may-seek-ekpas-repatriation-after-finland-six-year-jail-term

Better. He should be trial and send to life imprisonment for all the chaos he has caused in nigeria. I don't even understand all these fake freedom fighters. Shey if u wan fight for your people, are you supposed to do that from thousands of miles away?

FG should rest on the matter because if Finland wanted to do that , they would’ve done it but how do you expect Finland to do that when they end up releasing Terrorist in the name of being repented…


I doubt

That's cool, let him come and face the real problem here

Hmmn...beta .....32 more characters needed na waoooooooo

Better to leave him there.

His punishment is far more extensive than the 6 year jail term.

Even when he completes his jail term, he is unlikely to ever be able to find work in Finland, nor receive money from abroad. His bank accounts will be monitored for a long time to come. As a result, he will probably spend most of the rest of his life living on weekly stipends from the Finish government, unless he has a high-earning spouse.

For the sort of crime he was convicted of, most European countries will likely deny him entry into their country. As for the USA, he will never be able to enter the country.

Uncontrolled gra gra only gets you one thing...trouble. Big trouble.

They should. That'll be a nice step to take. The guy really terrorized and traumatized the South East by his actions.

It will not work. As long as finland did not revoke his citizenship, which they 99% would not and it was probably not mentioned in the case as what the prosecutors were asking for, this is dead on arrival

ScamDemicEra:
.... FG zealousness about Ekpa/Kanu and not as much zealousness about Boko Haram sticks out like sore thumb !!!

May OLODUMARE hasten the expiry date !!

They need him to fuel distractions while they continue to mismanage the economy.

Only Obi has the ability to rescue him. This is why we, in the north, have committed to giving Obi 99% support in 2027.

Ipob that are condemning him and those of his people happy about the judgement will still push for his release and question the government what he has done wrong. It won't even be surprising to see those that have fallen victim to his uprising in the east preparing lawyers for his defence and organize a party when he gets repatriated.

Alhamdulillah, ọwọ ti ba Ekpa ọ!

May all terrorists in Nigeria face worse case scenarios!

Please do. Im igbo and I believe he was responsible for terrorism in the east

DeLaRue:
Better to leave him there.

His punishment is far more extensive than the 6 year jail term.

Even when he completes his jail term, he is unlikely to ever be able to find work in Finland, nor receive money from abroad. His bank accounts will be monitored for a long time to come. As a result, he will probably spend most of the rest of his life living on weekly stipends from the Finish government, unless he has a high-earning spouse.

For the sort of crime he was convicted of, most European countries will likely deny him entry into their country. As for the USA, he will never be able to enter the country.

Uncontrolled gra gra only gets you one thing...trouble. Big trouble.

You're very right but that's only when he's not serving the interest of a big world power!

The one you have at your hand, how long are we going to wait to get judgement. Justice should be seen as swift regardless of the argument at hand to serve justice and bring confidence in the system.

In Nigeria non of these two exits...a very routine justice system where impunity thrive.

adenigga:
Source: https://punchng.com/terrorism-trial-fg-may-seek-ekpas-repatriation-after-finland-six-year-jail-term

PepeXKermit:
It will not work. As long as finland did not revoke his citizenship, which they 99% would not and it was probably not mentioned in the case as what the prosecutors were asking for, this is dead on arrival

go ruin person life,still stand behind him until he is finished completely…if na your own father would you be saying this rubbish?

So he can collect woto woto part 2

That will be the main woto woto
This 6 yrs will be just testing

Over sabi...he won't be repatriated.He is a Finish citizen. He has served time.

After serving his jail term, he should be repatrated to Nigeria to face our judiciary and serve terms too. Anyone that refer to our country as zoo should be sent to Kuje for 12 years

Some countries have legal grounds to revoke the citizenship of dual citizens who commit crimes.

adenigga:
Source: https://punchng.com/terrorism-trial-fg-may-seek-ekpas-repatriation-after-finland-six-year-jail-term

Finland did better than Britain in this matter. Britain pretended to not know Kanu was a very present danger to Nigeria.

There is no need to seek his repatriation. Thos is an example of playing to the gallery and verbal bombast.

Does Nigeria want a man hailed by some as a demi god in Nigeria? Do they need the media circus? The possibility of increased violence and instability in the East? Sit at homes? Faction clashes? No.

Does the law of Finland even permit repatriation of its citizens? No.

So why the statement? Well, there are state officials who are tempted to have their moment in the sun and who forget they live in a fact checked world. They just say things and embarrass themselves and their principals.

The greatest punishment for a populist demagogue is obscurity. Let him be forgotten in a nameless prison for 6 years. Nigeria and the south east will move on, mentally balanced leaders will emerge and Simon can sit under a tree somewhere out there with time to think over his life.

APC government like jailing Igbo leaders for fun

Useless people and time wasting.. if kanu is guilty, sentence him...see country that works,sharp sharp, everything don sort

They should rather go and learn from Finland s judicial systems and processes.
Africa giant indeed.

If You Think Ekpa Should Be Jailed In Nigeria, Hit The Like Button.

If You Think He Should Be Jailed In Finland, Hit The Share Button.


As For Me, He Should Be Jailed In Nigeria For Causing Havoc And Fueling Terrorism Amongst His Very Own People.


That's Sickening!

He should remain in Finland. Tinubu's government cannot be trusted.

Hmm, from frying pan to fire. Double punishment. Ok

Many Igbos Lack Emotional Intelligence, I Remembered When This Ekpa Of A Fool Started Newly Many Igbos Were Blindly Supporting Him. Ekpas Mission On Earth Is To See To The Destruction Of The South East.