Simon Ekpa Sentenced to Six Years in Finland for Terrorism
The verdict, delivered on Monday, September 1, 2025, followed a lengthy trial in which Finnish prosecutors presented evidence of Ekpa’s role in inciting violence and coordinating separatist activities from his base in Lahti, Finland.
According to the court’s findings, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa incited terrorism and participated in the activities of a designated terrorist organisation. He was accused of leveraging his large social media following to escalate tensions and promote violent attacks in Nigeria’s southeast region.
The court also ruled that Ekpa was involved in the supply of weapons, explosives, and ammunition to militant groups aligned with separatist movements. In addition, he was convicted of aggravated tax fraud and violating Finland’s Lawyers Act.
Although the violence largely took place in Nigeria, Finnish authorities maintained jurisdiction since Ekpa coordinated and incited the acts from Finnish territory. Prosecutors argued that his influence from abroad directly contributed to killings, destruction of property, and instability in Nigeria’s southeast.
Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), rose to prominence as a vocal separatist after the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). He has since been accused of using his platform to promote violence under the guise of advocacy for Biafra’s independence.
The ruling marks a rare instance of a European court sentencing a foreign national for terrorism offences linked to activities abroad. Finnish authorities described the judgment as a “clear message” that terrorism and related crimes will be prosecuted regardless of where the violence occurs.
Ekpa is expected to serve his sentence in Finland, though legal experts note that he still retains the right to appeal.
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