The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish citizen, Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences and other crimes.
According to court documents obtained by BBC News Pidgin, the 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted on multiple charges, including participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit terrorist crimes, aggravated tax fraud, and breaches of the Lawyers Act.
Between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa allegedly sought to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in Nigeria through unlawful means. The court said he used social media to build political influence, exploited internal divisions within the separatist movement, and played a “significant role” in organising it.
Investigators revealed that armed groups were formed under the movement, classified by the court as terrorist organisations. Ekpa was accused of supplying these groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his contacts, while also urging his followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria.
Ekpa denied all charges but was found guilty after a 12-session trial held between May and June 2025. The three-judge panel ruled unanimously, ordering that he remain in custody.
Finnish authorities first arrested him in December 2024 on suspicion of inciting terrorist acts. While four other men were initially detained in connection with the case, charges against them were later dropped.
Ekpa, who previously served as a municipal councillor in Lahti, is widely known for his outspoken involvement in the Biafran separatist movement. His online broadcasts and activities continue to draw both support and condemnation.
