The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician, Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism-related crimes and other offences.
Ekpa, 40, a former municipal councillor in Lahti, was convicted on multiple counts, including participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.
The court, in its ruling on Monday, ordered that he remain in custody.
Role in Biafran Agitation
According to court documents, Ekpa sought to advance the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria between August 2021 and November 2024 through unlawful means.
“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, as cited by BBC News Pidgin.
The court found that Ekpa helped transform the separatist push into a more structured movement and played a role in the establishment of armed groups classified as terrorist organisations. It also held that he facilitated access to weapons, explosives, and ammunition, while encouraging his followers online to commit crimes in Nigeria.
Ekpa denied all the charges.
Trial and Arrest
The trial, conducted over 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, ended with a unanimous decision by a panel of three judges.
Finnish authorities had arrested Ekpa in December 2024 on suspicion of incitement to terrorism and other offences. While four other men were initially arrested in connection with the case, charges against them were later dropped due to insufficient evidence.
Background
Widely known for his controversial broadcasts and social media activity, Ekpa gained international attention for his role in the Biafran separatist movement. His activities have drawn both support and condemnation across Nigeria and beyond.
His conviction is one of the most high-profile terrorism-related cases involving a Nigerian-born political figure in Europe.
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