The Federal Government has indicated that it may move to repatriate Simon Ekpa to Nigeria once he completes his six-year prison sentence in Finland for terrorism-related offences.
On Monday, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced the Nigerian-born Finnish citizen to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism-related crimes, aggravated tax fraud, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, and violations of the Lawyers Act. The court ordered that he remain in custody.
Ekpa, 40, a former municipal politician in Lahti, was accused of playing a central role in advancing separatist activities linked to the agitation for Biafra. According to the court, he used social media to attain political influence and exploited internal disputes within the movement to consolidate his position.
Between August 2021 and November 2024, he was said to have promoted the independence of southeastern Nigeria through illegal means. The court also held that Ekpa helped organise armed groups classified as terrorist organisations, supplied them with weapons and explosives through his network, and encouraged his followers on social media to commit violent crimes in Nigeria.
Despite denying all charges, the court ruled unanimously after 12 trial sessions held between May 30 and June 25, 2025, that Ekpa was guilty.
Reacting to the development, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, confirmed that the government is considering the option of requesting Ekpa’s repatriation after his jail term. “The Nigerian government will assess the situation and take decisions in the best interest of the country,” he said.
Similarly, the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), said Nigeria welcomed the judgment, noting that it demonstrated Finland’s cooperation in tackling insecurity linked to the country.
He added that further steps, including a possible repatriation request, would be determined once the government officially reviews the court’s judgment.