Simon Ekpa: Finnish court sentences pro-Biafra activist to 6 years in Prison
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra agitator, to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism-related offences.
In a judgment delivered on Monday, the court ruled that Ekpa incited terrorism and took part in the activities of a terrorist organisation. According to Finnish daily Yle, the judges held that Ekpa used his large social media following to fuel unrest in Nigeria’s south-east between August 2021 and November 2024.
The three-member panel of judges unanimously concluded that Ekpa played an influential role in a militant separatist movement seeking to establish an independent Biafra state. The court further noted that he facilitated the supply of weapons, explosives, and ammunition to certain groups through his contacts in the region.
Evidence presented during trial also showed that Ekpa urged his followers on X (formerly Twitter) to engage in violent crimes in Nigeria.
Beyond terrorism-related charges, Ekpa was also convicted of aggravated tax fraud and violating Finland’s Attorneys Act.
His arrest in November 2024 by Finnish law enforcement led to his prosecution. At the time, the court said he had spread terrorist propaganda on social media, a development that eventually resulted in his sentencing.
