Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen, has been sentenced to six years in prison by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland for terrorism-related offenses, a decision that has sent significant ripples across Nigeria. The 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted on September 1, on multiple charges including participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. He was ordered to remain in custody following the unanimous decision by a panel of three judges after a trial held over 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25.

According to the judgment, Ekpa utilized social media between August 2021 and November 2024 to gain influence within a key separatist movement in Nigeria. He was found to have equipped groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his contact network, and urged followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria. The Federal Government of Nigeria described the ruling as a “watershed moment,” hailing it as a major victory in its fight against terrorism and a significant step in strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland. Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, stated that the Nigerian government would assess the situation to determine the best course of action, including potential repatriation.

Ekpa’s actions, particularly his infamous “sit-at-home” orders, became synonymous with fear in Nigeria’s south-east, leading to widespread violence and economic paralysis. Between 2021 and 2025, these directives resulted in an estimated N7.6 trillion loss across Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo states, impacting businesses, transport, and education. Reports indicated that micro-businesses suffered annual losses of around N4.6 trillion, while the transport sector forfeited up to N13 billion on each sit-at-home day. Research from Ebonyi State University highlighted 192 Mondays lost to these orders, with average losses estimated at N88.08 billion per Monday for the region, and Anambra alone accounting for over N38 billion in weekly losses.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed group, vehemently distanced itself from Ekpa throughout the proceedings. Emma Powerful, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Director, confirmed that IPOB had testified under oath in a Finnish court that Ekpa never held any position within IPOB or its armed wing, ESN. Ekpa himself, under oath, reportedly described himself as merely a “content creator,” admitting he disowned IPOB and boasted he would destroy the organization. IPOB accused him of creating “parallel contraptions” such as the “Biafra Government in Exile,” “Biafra Liberation Army,” and “Biafra Defence Force,” all of which IPOB rejected as fraudulent. IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, described the conviction as unsurprising, noting Ekpa’s offences, weak defense, and fraudulent empire built on false promises of warships and imminent Biafra independence.

Reactions from Nigerian officials were largely positive. Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, hailed the verdict as reinforcing the principle of accountability for those inciting violence and funding terrorism, underscoring the power of international cooperation. Senator Gbenga Daniel, president of the Nigerian-Finnish association, praised the conviction as a “decisive victory for international justice” and a “watershed moment” that sends a powerful message against terrorism. He emphasized that the ruling solidifies Nigeria’s sovereignty and serves as a cornerstone for greater collaboration in justice and security.

However, opinions varied on the leniency of the sentence. Sani Usman, former army spokesperson, while commending the conviction, found the six-year sentence “rather lenient” when weighed against Nigeria’s anti-terrorism laws and the scale of atrocities linked to Ekpa. He argued for a harsher penalty to better reflect the gravity of the crimes and serve as a stronger deterrent. National security expert Charles Omole suggested that Ekpa’s conviction should prompt Biafran agitators to adopt peaceful, democratic channels, noting that history shows violent separatist struggles eventually give way to such methods.

While Ekpa’s conviction marks a symbolic victory against propaganda and violence, Omole cautioned Nigerian security agencies against complacency. He warned that while diaspora funding might weaken, agitators could seek local financing, potentially increasing desperation. The presence of weapons and loyal followers in the south-east remains a serious threat, necessitating sustained pressure from security forces. The shadow of Nnamdi Kanu, still incarcerated, also looms, representing lingering grievances that could still fuel future agitation, underscoring the need for a recalibrated and strengthened security strategy in the region.