Pro-Biafra separatist campaigner Simon Ekpa has
appealed the six-year prison sentence handed to him by a Finnish court for
terrorism-related offences.
The Finnish prosecutor handling the case has also
lodged an appeal, arguing that the six-year sentence is inadequate given the
seriousness of the offences. The Finnish Court of Appeal is expected to hear
the case within three weeks.
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities in November
2024 and charged with inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of
a terrorist group.
In September 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court
found him guilty and sentenced him to six years in prison.
The court found that Ekpa used his substantial social
media following between August 2021 and November 2024 to intensify tensions in
Nigeria’s South-East.
According to the court, Ekpa was a prominent figure in
a militant separatist movement seeking the creation of an independent Biafran
state.
The court further ruled that he facilitated the
procurement of weapons, explosives and ammunition for armed groups in the
region through his contacts. It also found that he repeatedly encouraged his
followers on X to commit crimes in Nigeria.
In addition to the terrorism-related convictions, Ekpa
was found guilty of aggravated tax fraud and offences under Finland’s Attorneys
Act.
Ekpa has maintained that he is a disciple of Nnamdi
Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Nigerian Federal Government officially designated
Ekpa as a terrorism financier in March 2025.
With both Ekpa and the Finnish prosecution challenging
the original sentence, the upcoming appeal could determine whether his six-year
prison term is maintained, reduced or increased.
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