Finnish court sentences Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes
The Päijät-Häme District Court has handed down a six-year prison sentence to Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen, for terrorism-related offenses.
This ruling, released on Monday, highlights Ekpa’s involvement in illegal activities aimed at promoting the independence of the Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria.
The 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti faced multiple charges, including participation in a terrorist organization, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and breaches of the Lawyers Act. The court has ordered that he remain in custody.
According to the court’s findings, from August 2021 to November 2024, Ekpa leveraged social media to establish a politically influential role, capitalizing on the instability within a significant separatist movement in Nigeria.
“He used social media to gain a politically influential position and took advantage of the confusion within a key separatist movement in Nigeria to play a significant role in it,” the judgment stated.
Despite his denials of all charges, the court determined that he played a crucial role in forming and advancing the separatist movement into a more organized entity, working collaboratively with others.
Testimonies during the trial indicated that armed groups were established under the movement, which the court designated as terrorist organizations.
The judges concluded, “Ekpa equipped the groups with weapons, explosives and ammunition through his contact network,” and it was reported that he encouraged his followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria.
The trial unfolded over 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, with a unanimous verdict from the three-judge panel.
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities in December 2024, facing suspicions of inciting criminal activities with terrorist motives.
Charges against four other men, who were initially arrested in connection with the case, were later dropped due to insufficient evidence. Known for his controversial role in the Biafran separatist movement, Ekpa has attracted both support and criticism through his online presence, influencing sentiments around the movement both locally and internationally.
Source: PUNCH
