The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has hailed the conviction of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and pro-Biafra agitator, by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland.
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Ekpa was sentenced to six years in prison after being found guilty of terrorism-related offences, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of
Finland’s Lawyers Act.
The court ruled that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa incited violence and supported armed separatist groups in Nigeria’s South-East region through his social media platforms.
Reacting to the verdict, AGF Fagbemi issued a statement on Monday, saying:
“We receive the good news of the conviction of the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, by the Finnish court. His conviction for the charges of terrorism and other related offences filed against him by the Finnish government is a confirmation that Ekpa had influenced and committed heinous crimes against the Nigerian people, especially in the South East.”
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He further commended the Finnish authorities for their cooperation.
“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 would be taken upon receipt and understudying a copy of the judgement of the court.”
The conviction has been widely welcomed by Nigerian officials. Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, described the ruling as a “landmark victory in the global effort to combat terrorism,” adding:
“This judgment sends a strong message that there is no haven for individuals or groups who sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria or any other sovereign state”.
Public interest lawyer Dr. Abdul Mahmud also weighed in, stating:
“The sentencing of Simon Ekpa in Finland wasn’t unexpected… it underscores a profound truth: serious nations combat terrorism with the weight of law and the authority of their institutions”.
Ekpa, who denied all charges, was arrested in November 2024 following a lengthy investigation by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation.
The court found that he had used his influence to incite crimes with terrorist intent and had equipped armed groups with weapons and explosives.
This conviction marks a significant moment in international cooperation against transnational terrorism and is expected to deepen bilateral ties between Nigeria and Finland.
