Simon Ekpa’s conviction sends strong message to online agitators – Dr. Franklyne Ogbunwezeh

Franklyne Ogbunwezeh warns online agitators after Simon Ekpa’s terror conviction in Finland, hailing it as a global precedent against inciting violence

Franklyne Ogbunwezeh, a Germany-based Nigerian human rights advocate and scholar, has strongly condemned Simon Ekpa’s use of digital platforms to incite violence, describing the Finnish court’s reported conviction of Ekpa for terrorism as a powerful warning to online agitators worldwide.

Also read: Simon Ekpa jailed six years by Finland for terrorism crimes

Speaking during an interview with journalist Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, Dr. Ogbunwezeh commended the Finnish government for upholding justice, saying the ruling sends a clear message that “freedom of speech is not freedom to call for bloodshed.”

“If Simon Ekpa truly bought weapons and sent young boys into the bush to confront a brutal army, then he should rot in jail,” Ogbunwezeh declared. “You don’t build a country through terror.”

He criticized the narrative comparing IPOB’s methods with Nelson Mandela’s anti-apartheid struggle, calling it historically flawed and dangerous.

According to him, global support and diplomatic alignment were key to South Africa and South Sudan’s eventual independence—support which Biafra agitators currently lack.

“Without international backing, no secessionist movement can succeed,” he added. “The British and now the Americans have strategic interests in Nigeria, and they won’t support its disintegration.”

Ogbunwezeh emphasized that Simon Ekpa’s conviction should be studied by anyone who uses social media to fuel unrest.

He noted that while the internet has democratized speech, it does not shield those who use it for extremist propaganda.

The scholar also weighed in on Nigeria’s recent arrest of a Palestinian leader following a visit from an Israeli official, suggesting a possible foreign policy pivot toward Israel, especially notable under a Muslim-Muslim administration.

Also read: Senator Gbenga Daniel hails Simon Ekpa verdict as historic

As Nigeria continues to grapple with security issues and digital misinformation, Ogbunwezeh’s remarks spotlight the growing global consensus against using technology as a tool for terrorism.

David Okere