The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially commended the six-year jail term handed down to pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland, describing the judgment as a remarkable milestone in Nigeria’s ongoing campaign against terrorism, violent extremism, and separatist propaganda.
On Monday, September 1, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland reached a verdict after months of legal proceedings, convicting Simon Ekpa on multiple counts, including incitement of terrorist activities, active collaboration with a terrorist organisation, and deliberate misuse of social media platforms to promote unrest and chaos. The court established that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa consistently exploited his extensive digital audience—particularly on X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Facebook—to issue orders, spread propaganda, and fuel violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, actions that contributed to countless tragic deaths and widespread instability.
In an official reaction, Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, hailed the judgment as a “major victory in the war against terror” and a vindication of Nigeria’s consistent diplomatic engagements with Finland on the matter. Posting on his verified X handle, he 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 not only a victory for the Nigerian people but also a strong message that terrorism and extremism have no place in the modern world.”
Ekpa, who rose to notoriety by declaring himself a loyal disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), played a pivotal role in sustaining the sit-at-home demonstrations that paralysed socio-economic life across the South-East. These demonstrations, which were often enforced with violence, led to the death of hundreds of civilians, police officers, and soldiers, as well as the destruction of businesses, schools, markets, and public infrastructure.
Following Kanu’s controversial extradition from Kenya in June 2021, Ekpa briefly took over as the lead broadcaster of Radio Biafra, the separatist propaganda channel. However, he was soon removed by IPOB leadership after being accused of breaching the organisation’s code of conduct. In retaliation, he went on to establish a splinter faction, positioning himself as an uncompromising leader of the separatist cause and intensifying his calls for violence and disobedience against the Nigerian state.
Authorities in Finland arrested him in November 2024 after mounting international pressure and repeated petitions from Nigeria, which accused him of financing terrorism, issuing provocative directives from abroad, and using his residence in Finland as a base of operations for destabilising activities. In March 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria formally designated him as a “terrorism financier,” a move that strengthened the case against him in European courts.
Full statement released by the FG read as follows …
“The Federal Government of Nigeria warmly welcomes the landmark judgment delivered by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which on Monday sentenced Simon Ekpa, a self-styled pro-Biafra agitator and sponsor of terrorism, to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.
This judgment is a watershed moment—first, for the thousands of innocent Nigerians whose lives, livelihoods, and communities have been shattered by the acts of terror incited and sponsored by Simon Ekpa and his associates. Secondly, it represents a major step forward in the consolidation of Nigeria’s diplomatic ties with Finland and our shared commitment to the global fight against violent extremism and separatist insurgency.
For years, Simon Ekpa’s reckless speeches, incendiary videos, and criminal directives propagated through IPOB-linked terror activities inflicted untold pain: families torn apart, parents buried their children, children orphaned overnight, businesses razed to the ground, and entire towns reduced to fear and silence. Hundreds of Nigerians were killed, many more suffered permanent injuries, and the economic cost to the region ran into billions of naira. All this, in pursuit of a destructive, unlawful, and divisive agenda designed to fracture the unity and sovereignty of our great nation.
By upholding the rule of law and delivering justice, the Finnish judiciary has demonstrated both courage and independence. This verdict not only validates Nigeria’s longstanding position on Ekpa’s terrorism but also serves as a warning to extremists around the world that justice is inevitable. No matter where they hide or how far they run, the international community will stand united in resisting terrorism and safeguarding peace and stability.”
The statement continued: “The administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its determination to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, secure our borders, and protect the dignity of every Nigerian citizen. We will continue to deploy all instruments of statecraft—diplomatic, military, judicial, and intelligence—to safeguard peace, unity, and territorial integrity.”
“We urge all misguided individuals who, under the influence of Simon Ekpa and others like him, have taken up arms against their own fatherland to immediately abandon the path of violence and return to the path of peace and dialogue. Nigeria is large enough to accommodate every citizen’s aspiration, but there can be no progress or prosperity in an atmosphere poisoned by hate, division, and terrorism.”
The Federal Government further expressed deep appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police Force for their sacrifices, commitment, and tireless dedication to keeping the nation safe despite enormous challenges. It also saluted the resilience and patriotism of ordinary Nigerians who, despite attacks and threats, have continued to uphold peace and unity in their communities.
Concluding, the statement read: “This ruling represents a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against violent separatism and terror funding. As we move forward, the Federal Government calls on all Nigerians at home and abroad to embrace unity, peace, and collective responsibility in building a secure and prosperous nation.”
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