How Nigeria Reacted After Simon Ekpa's Sentencing — What the Government Said and the Next Steps

By Newsroom • Date: 1 September 2025 • Abuja / Lahti
Scales of Justice — symbol of law and judgment

The Federal Government of Nigeria welcomed a Finnish court's guilty verdict against separatist leader Simon Ekpa and said it will take further legal and diplomatic steps once it receives and studies a copy of the Finnish judgment.

A district court in Päijät-Häme, Finland, on Monday found Simon Ekpa guilty on a number of charges, including participation in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes and aggravated tax fraud, and sentenced him to six years in prison.

The Federal Government of Nigeria — speaking through the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) — described the conviction as a welcome development and commended Finnish authorities for their work on the case.

In an official response the AGF said the conviction confirms Ekpa's involvement in activities that fomented violence in Nigeria's southeast and underlined the government's determination to hold those responsible for insecurity accountable. The AGF's office added that "appropriate further actions would be taken upon receipt and understudying of a copy of the judgment of the court."

What the government wants to do with a copy of the ruling

Officials say the government has requested an official copy of the Finnish court judgment. Once the official judgment is received and reviewed, the AGF indicated the Federal Government may:

  • Study the factual findings and legal grounds in the Finnish judgment to determine whether further domestic or international legal steps are warranted.
  • Use the judgment as supporting evidence in any pending or future prosecutions or extradition requests related to Ekpa and his associates.
  • Coordinate with Finland and other partners on follow-up investigations, asset-tracing or enforcement actions if the ruling points to transnational links and activities.

The Federal Government’s statement also noted existing cooperation between Nigerian and Finnish investigators during the probe, and officials framed the verdict as evidence that international justice mechanisms can help address cross-border threats to Nigeria's security.

Reaction across Nigeria was mixed: government and security officials welcomed the decision as a tool to reduce cross-border agitation, while supporters of Ekpa and some rights and diaspora networks questioned elements of the trial and called for due process.

Image Source: Wikimedia Commons (Public Domain)

Note: This article summarises official reactions and reporting available at the time of publication. If you want the full text of the Finnish court judgment (when publicly released) we can add a link to it and embed the PDF or excerpt for readers.