The Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), has applauded the conviction of Nigerian-born separatist leader Simon Ekpa by a Finnish court, describing it as a major breakthrough in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East.
On Monday, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Ekpa to six years in prison, finding him guilty of inciting terrorism and supporting a terrorist group.
Reacting to the ruling, Fagbemi said the judgment confirmed Nigeria’s position that the self-acclaimed leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) actively contributed to violence in the South-East.
“We receive the good news of the conviction of Simon Ekpa by the Finnish court. His sentencing for terrorism and other related offences is a confirmation that he influenced and committed heinous crimes against the Nigerian people, especially in the South East,” the AGF stated.
He further praised the cooperation of Finnish authorities, adding that the case marked a positive step in international collaboration against terrorism and transnational crimes.
“We see this as a signal of future partnership and would take appropriate further actions upon receipt and review of the court’s judgment,” Fagbemi added.
The Finnish court ruled that 40-year-old Ekpa used his large social media following between August 2021 and November 2024 to promote violence, calling on his supporters to carry out attacks in Nigeria.
According to the panel of three judges, Ekpa was not only a vocal agitator but also an influential member of a militant separatist movement seeking the creation of a Biafran state.
The court further revealed that Ekpa provided separatist groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his international contacts, while also inciting followers on the platform X (formerly Twitter) to “commit crimes” in Nigeria.
A long-term resident of Lahti, Finland, and a former local councillor, Ekpa reportedly carried out his activities from the European country, giving Finnish authorities jurisdiction over the case.
Legal analysts say the verdict strengthens Nigeria’s case in holding diaspora-based agitators accountable for promoting violence back home. Fagbemi emphasised that the conviction shows that no safe haven exists for terror sponsors.
