Simon Ekpa’s Conviction in Finland Exposes Nigeria’s Justice System, FG Urged to Release Nnamdi Kanu – Lawyer
Story: written September 2,2025
Human rights lawyer, Maduabuchi Idam, has said the conviction of Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Biafra Prime Minister, by a Finnish court has exposed the weaknesses of Nigeria’s criminal justice system before the international community.
In a statement on Tuesday, Idam stressed that while the Finnish court concluded Ekpa’s trial within a year, Nigeria continues to delay justice in several high-profile cases, including that of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“Securing a verdict in Simon Ekpa’s case in less than a year is more of interest to me than the conviction itself,” Idam said.
“The expeditious conclusion of Ekpa’s case has exposed Nigeria’s criminal justice system to scorn, mockery, and dishonor before the world. Instead of gloating over the conviction, the Federal Government should reflect on reforming its justice system.”
The lawyer further urged the Federal Government not to use Ekpa’s conviction as an excuse to tighten its stance against IPOB but to consider releasing Nnamdi Kanu as a peace-building measure for the Southeast.
Background
On Monday, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences. Finnish authorities had arrested him in November 2024 following investigations by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) into allegations of inciting terrorism and promoting violence through social media—activities linked to unrest in Nigeria’s Southeast.
Ekpa, a controversial figure within the pro-Biafra movement, was found guilty of incitement and promoting terrorism. His sentencing has reignited debate over Nigeria’s slow judicial processes and the unresolved case of Nnamdi Kanu, who has been in prolonged detention despite multiple court orders for his release.
