The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born former Lahti councillor and self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of Finland’s Lawyers Act.
The ruling, delivered on September 1, 2025, marks a significant development in the international effort to curb digital incitement of violence. As Ekpa prepares to serve his sentence, questions arise about his future, including the status of his Finnish citizenship and the possibility of extradition to Nigeria, where authorities have long sought his prosecution.
The Case Against Simon EkpaEkpa, a dual Finnish-Nigerian citizen, was convicted of inciting terrorism and participating in a terrorist organisation through his online activities between August 2021 and November 2024.
The court found that Ekpa used his significant social media following to promote separatist violence in Nigeria’s southeast, advocating for the independence of the Biafra region.
Prosecutors presented evidence linking his online directives to violent attacks, including ambushes on security forces and destruction of infrastructure, which destabilised Nigeria’s South-East.
The court also convicted Ekpa of financial crimes, including aggravated tax fraud and unlawfully offering legal services through his firm, Ekpa & Co Oy, without proper authorisation.
The unanimous verdict by a three-judge panel followed a 12-day trial held between May and June 2025.
Ekpa, who denied all charges, claimed he was merely relaying messages from Biafran authorities. However, the court rejected this defense, emphasising that his actions constituted incitement to violence with terrorist intent.
With Ekpa now facing six years behind bars, attention turns to what lies ahead once he completes his sentence. Key questions include whether he will retain his Finnish citizenship and whether Nigeria’s calls for his extradition will be heeded.
Finnish citizenship and revocation laws
Under Finnish law, citizenship can be revoked in cases where it was obtained through fraudulent means or if the individual poses a significant threat to national security. According to the Finnish Nationality Act (359/2003), Section 33, citizenship may be revoked if a person has provided false information during the naturalisation process or if they are convicted of an offence that endangers Finland’s vital interests, such as terrorism-related crimes.
However, revocation is rare and requires a thorough administrative process, including a review by the Finnish Immigration Service and the possibility of appeal.
Ekpa, who became a Finnish citizen in 2009, has not been reported to have obtained citizenship fraudulently, and his crimes were primarily directed at activities abroad rather than Finland itself.
Legal experts suggest that while his terrorism conviction could theoretically trigger a review of his citizenship status, it is unlikely unless Finnish authorities determine that his actions directly threaten Finland’s security.
The precedent for revoking citizenship for diaspora-based activism is limited, and Ekpa’s status as a long-term resident and former politician may complicate such a decision.
Extradition to Nigeria
The Nigerian government has repeatedly expressed its desire to extradite Ekpa to face terrorism charges in Nigeria, where he is accused of orchestrating violence in the South-East.
In January 2025, Nigeria’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, reiterated calls for Ekpa’s extradition, describing his arrest as a “key victory” in the fight against terrorism. However, extradition from Finland to Nigeria is governed by strict legal requirements under Finnish and EU law.
Finland’s Extradition Act (456/1970) and the European Convention on Extradition require that extradition requests meet specific criteria, including assurances that the individual will not face torture, inhumane treatment, or the death penalty.
Nigeria’s designation of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) as a terrorist organisation and the ongoing detention of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu raise concerns about human rights protections, which could complicate extradition proceedings.
Finnish courts have previously considered Ekpa’s rights as a Finnish citizen, and his status may prevent extradition unless Nigeria provides robust guarantees of fair treatment.
Moreover, Ekpa’s conviction in Finland may reduce the likelihood of extradition, as he is already serving a sentence for related crimes.
Legal analysts note that Finland may view his punishment as sufficient, particularly given the international cooperation that led to his conviction. Nigeria’s previous extradition attempts have failed due to concerns over Ekpa’s rights, and without a formal agreement, his transfer to Nigeria post-sentence remains uncertain.
Post-sentence prospects
Upon completing his sentence, expected around 2031 (accounting for possible parole or sentence reductions under Finnish law), Ekpa will likely remain in Finland unless deported or extradited.
Finnish law allows for the deportation of non-citizens convicted of serious crimes, but as a citizen, Ekpa is protected from deportation unless his citizenship is revoked. His ability to resume political or activist activities may be restricted, as Finnish authorities could impose sanctions or monitoring to prevent further incitement.
Ekpa’s legal team, led by lawyer Kaarle Gummerus, has indicated plans to appeal the conviction, which could delay or alter his sentence. If the appeal fails, Ekpa’s influence as a Biafra agitator may wane due to his incarceration and the freezing of his assets by both Finnish and Nigerian authorities.