By Joy Yesufu
A Finnish court has sentenced Nigerian-born activist, Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences and other crimes.
The Päijät-Häme District Court on Monday found the 40-year-old guilty of participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.
Court documents revealed that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa promoted the secession of Nigeria’s southeast region, known as Biafra, through illegal means. Judges held that he used social media to gain political influence, exploited divisions within the separatist movement, and played a key role in organising armed groups classified as terrorist organisations.
“Ekpa equipped the groups with weapons, explosives and ammunition through his contact network. He also urged his followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria,” the court stated.
Ekpa denied all charges but was unanimously convicted by a panel of three judges after a trial spanning 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025. He will remain in custody.
Finnish authorities had arrested him in December 2024 on suspicion of terrorism-related activities. Four other men initially detained in connection with the case were later released after prosecutors found insufficient evidence against them.
Ekpa, a former municipal councillor in Lahti, Finland, is widely known for his controversial role in Nigeria’s Biafran separatist movement, where his online broadcasts and social media campaigns have drawn both support and criticism.
