FG Considers Repatriation of Simon Ekpa After Six-Year Prison Sentence in Finland
The Federal Government of Nigeria has indicated it may pursue the repatriation of Simon Ekpa following his six-year prison sentence in Finland for terrorism-related offences.
Ekpa, a 40-year-old Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and former municipal councilor from Lahti, was sentenced on Monday by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland.
He was found guilty on multiple charges, including involvement with a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit terrorist acts, aggravated tax evasion, and breaches of the Lawyers Act. The court also ruled that Ekpa remain in detention for the duration of his sentence.
Court documents revealed that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa attempted to advance the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through unlawful means. According to the judgment, he leveraged social media to gain political influence and exploited divisions within a key separatist movement in Nigeria.
Speaking with The PUNCH on Monday, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, suggested that Nigeria might consider seeking Ekpa’s repatriation once his sentence concludes. “The Nigerian government will assess the situation and take decisions in the best interest of the country,” Idris said.
Similarly, the Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), affirmed that further actions would follow after a formal review of the court judgment. “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 will be taken upon receipt and study of a copy of the court’s judgment,” he stated.
Ekpa’s sentencing and the possibility of repatriation underscore ongoing international cooperation in addressing terrorism and separatist activities linked to Nigerian nationals abroad.
