The Traffic

Nigeria Applauds Finland’s Conviction of Simon Ekpa for Terrorism-Related Crimes

The Nigerian government has hailed the conviction of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland as a landmark victory in the global fight against terrorism. Ekpa, a self-styled leader of a Biafran splinter group, was sentenced to six years in prison by the Päijät-Häme District Court for inciting terrorism, financing armed groups, and spreading violent propaganda that fueled unrest in Nigeria’s South-east.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the ruling as “a major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror.” Similar commendations came from the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, who praised the verdict as proof that “there is no safe haven for sponsors of violence, no matter where they hide.”

The Finnish court found that between 2021 and 2024, Ekpa used his large social media following, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), to incite attacks on security operatives, enforce illegal “sit-at-home” orders, and facilitate arms supplies to separatist militias. Evidence also linked him to aggravated tax fraud and breaches of Finnish law. Once a local politician in Finland and broadcaster for Radio Biafra, Ekpa’s rise as a fiery agitator after Nnamdi Kanu’s extradition quickly spiraled into violent separatist propaganda from abroad.

Nigeria Reacts: A Call for Stronger Justice at Home

While Nigerian officials celebrated the conviction, groups like the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and RULAAC (Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre) pointedly noted that justice for crimes against Nigerians had to be delivered abroad, not at home. NBA President Afam Osigwe (SAN) praised the speed of Finland’s trial, urging Nigerian courts to adopt technology and improve efficiency, instead of relying on outdated practices that delay justice.

RULAAC’s Executive Director, Okechukwu Nwanguma, described the case as “both a vindication for Ekpa’s victims and an indictment of Nigeria’s justice system.” He warned that Nigeria’s failure to prosecute perpetrators of terrorism and insecurity had left citizens vulnerable while foreign governments stepped in to do what Nigerian authorities neglected.

A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria

Observers say the conviction underscores two realities: first, that international collaboration is crucial in tackling transnational terrorism; and second, that Nigeria must strengthen its own justice system to prevent a continued reliance on foreign courts for accountability.

General Musa echoed this sentiment, thanking Nigerian intelligence agencies and diplomats for collaborating with Finnish authorities to secure the conviction, while reaffirming that Nigeria’s armed forces will continue working with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks.

For many Nigerians, Ekpa’s sentencing offers a measure of justice — but also a sobering reminder that the country must do more to deliver justice within its own borders.

by Haruna Yakubu Haruna