The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born political activist and separatist figure, to six years in prison for terrorism-related activities and other serious crimes.
Ekpa, a former municipal councillor in Lahti, was found guilty of Participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation, Inciting the public to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, Committing aggravated tax fraud and Violating provisions of the Lawyers Act.
The offenses took place between August 2021 and November 2024, and according to the court, Ekpa used social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter)—to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through illegal and violent means.
In its ruling, the three-judge panel stated:
“Ekpa exploited his social media influence to gain a politically dominant position and took advantage of internal crises in the Biafran separatist movement to consolidate control. He was central to transforming the movement into a structured entity with armed groups.”
These armed groups, allegedly directed or influenced by Ekpa, were supplied with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his network. The court described them as terrorist organisations.
Ekpa was also accused of encouraging criminal activity in Nigeria by inciting his followers online to carry out attacks.
Arrested in December 2024, Ekpa was initially detained on suspicion of inciting terrorism and disseminating separatist propaganda.
His trial ran from May 30 to June 25, 2025, over 12 sittings, before the verdict was reached.
The court ruled unanimously, and Ekpa denied all charges throughout the proceedings.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) had previously linked Ekpa to a broader investigation involving other individuals, though charges against four others were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Ekpa has now been remanded in custody, and Finnish authorities have not offered bail due to the severity of the convictions.
Simon Ekpa rose to prominence within Nigeria’s Biafran independence movement, especially following internal splits in the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
His broadcasts and directives led to several sit-at-home orders, which have been connected to violence and civil disruptions in Nigeria’s Southeast.
