Nigerian govt hails conviction of Simon Ekpa for terrorism in Finland

By Ayox Ojo/Abuja

The Nigerian Government on Monday reacted to the conviction and imprisonment of Simon Ekpa, the leader of IPOB for terrorism-related offences and tax fraud by the Päijät-Häme District court in Finland.

Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris in a statement on his official handle on X handle described the sentencing as a major “victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror.”

“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. A major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror,” Mohammed wrote on his official handle on X.

The Court had found Ekpa guilty of terrorism and inciting the public to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, engaging in aggravated tax fraud, and violating the Lawyers Act.

The Court also found that Ekpa supplied these groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition, and encouraged followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria.

The trial, which ran from May 30 to June 25, 2025, included 12 days of hearings, with a panel of three judges unanimously delivering the verdict.

The Finnish newspaper, Yle, reported that the three-member panel of judges, in a unanimous ruling stated that Ekpa was an influential member of a militant separatist movement whose goal was to actualise the secession of a Biafran state from Nigeria.

Ekpa was arrested in December 2024 after Finnish authorities accused him of spreading separatist propaganda and inciting violence through social media.

Tinubu commends Finland for arrest of Simon Ekpa

Recall that President Bola Tinubu had on January 2025 commended the Finish government over the arrest and detention of Simon Ekpa.

Tinubu spoke when he received the Letters of Credence from the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Sanna Selin, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja said that government would not tolerate actions and statements that could lead to divisiveness among citizens.

He also commended the Finnish authorities for the timely intervention that safeguarded the nation’s integrity and mitigated an action that threatened peaceful coexistence.

“I must thank you for your record on safeguarding human rights in our country with the trial of Simon Ekpa. Nigeria is indivisible.

” We have been through turbulent times, and we don’t want to promote terrorism,” Tinubu told the Finnish ambassador.

“I am a child born into activism, but not divisiveness.

” We need cohesion and cooperation to bring about development.

” Our watchword is stability and cohesion to move the country forward.

“The National Security Adviser, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, has informed me. I know what the rule of law means.

” The rule of law safeguards our democratic credentials, morals and values.

” We must respect the rule of law,” the president said.

imilarly, Tinubu received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the European Union, Mr Gautier Mignot, and the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of Algeria, Hocine Mezoued.

Responding, the Ambassador of Finland extolled the president for his courage in initiating reforms that would benefit the economy and ensure prosperity in the future.

“Simon Ekpa has been hindering bilateral relations.

” The cooperation between our two countries is going very well now.

” The National Security Adviser has been providing all the evidence,” the ambassador noted.

“I salute you for all the ongoing reforms in the country.

” They are not easy. Even though it is painful, it is the only way Nigeria can progress. It is essential for the country.