The Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has commended authorities i Finland following the conviction of Simon Ekpa, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), by a Finnish court.

Ekpa, who has long been accused of inciting violence and promoting separatist activities in Nigeria’s South East region, was convicted on charges of terrorism and related offences by the Finnish government. The Attorney General described the ruling as a welcome development and a significant step in the fight against insecurity in Nigeria.

“We received the good news of the conviction of the leader of the outlawed Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, by the Finnish court. His conviction… is a confirmation that Ekpa had influenced and committed heinous crimes against the Nigerian people, especially in the South East,” Fagbemi said in an official statement.

The AGF commended the Finnish authorities for what he termed their support in Nigeria’s efforts to combat insecurity and criminality.

He noted that the decision sends a strong signal of potential future collaboration between both countries in tackling cross-border threats and terrorism.

Fagbemi also indicated that further legal actions could follow, stating that Nigerian authorities would take appropriate steps after receiving and reviewing the official judgment from the Finnish court.

Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafran separatist leader, has been a polarising figure, often accused of inciting violence through online broadcasts and ordering illegal sit-at-home protests that have disrupted life and economic activity in the South East.