The Federal Government on Monday, September 1, described the conviction of Simon Ekpa by a Finnish court as a “landmark victory” in Nigeria’s ongoing fight against terrorism and violent separatist movements.
A three-judge panel of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland found Ekpa guilty of multiple offences, including participation in a terrorist group, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.
He was handed a six-year jail sentence after a trial that lasted from May 30 to June 25, 2025.
The Finnish judges ruled unanimously that Ekpa, who has been a vocal promoter of separatist activities linked to the agitation for a Biafran state, actively supplied fighters in Nigeria with “weapons, explosives, and ammunition” through his foreign contacts.
The court further established that he encouraged violent attacks in Nigeria through repeated calls on social media platforms, especially on X (formerly Twitter).
Reacting to the development, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, hailed the ruling as a significant breakthrough.
In a statement on his official X handle, Idris wrote:
“We welcome the news of Simon Ekpa’s conviction by a Finnish court for terrorism-related crimes and his sentencing to six years in prison.
This is a major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror.”
The ruling also highlighted Ekpa’s central role in strengthening and structuring the separatist network, transforming it into a more organised body capable of carrying out coordinated violent acts.
Despite the court’s findings, Ekpa denied all charges. His legal team argued that his activities were within the bounds of free speech and political advocacy.
Nevertheless, the judges ruled otherwise and ordered him to remain in custody.
The court’s verdict is, however, not final. Ekpa has the option to appeal the decision at a higher court in Finland, a move his lawyers are reportedly considering.
Ekpa’s arrest in December 2024 marked the beginning of his legal troubles in Finland.
Authorities accused him of running an online propaganda campaign that not only spread separatist messages but also incited armed violence in Nigeria’s southeast.
The conviction is expected to send strong signals to individuals or groups promoting violence under the guise of political agitation.
For Nigeria, the ruling offers international validation of its claims that separatist groups have relied heavily on foreign-based actors to fund and coordinate violent campaigns at home.
The Federal Government said it remains committed to working with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks, wherever they operate.