BREAKING: Finnish Court Sentences Simon Ekpa to Six Years for Terrorism-Related Offenses

On September 1, 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Nigerian-born political activist Simon Ekpa to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism-related charges, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. [1]

The court determined that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa actively participated in a terrorist organization and publicly incited crimes for terrorist purposes. Operating from Lahti, Finland, he used his significant social media following to promote the independence of the Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria, encouraging followers to commit crimes and supplying armed groups with weapons and explosives. [2]

Ekpa, a former Lahti municipal politician and self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, denied all charges during the trial, which spanned from May 30 to June 25, 2025. Despite his denial, the court found sufficient evidence to convict him, noting his influential role in structuring the separatist movement into an organized group with armed factions classified as terrorist organizations. [1]

Citations:

Neusroom: neusroom.com/finnish-authorities-freeze-asset-simon-ekpa-terrorism/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Nairaland: www.nairaland.com/post/136652012?utm_source=chatgpt.com

Yle.fi: yle.fi/a/74-20180420?utm_source=chatgpt.com

In addition to the prison sentence, Finnish authorities have frozen Ekpa’s assets and those of associated companies, underscoring Finland’s commitment to curbing the financing of activities linked to terrorism. [3]

The verdict is not final and can be appealed to a higher court. Ekpa’s conviction marks a significant development in international efforts to address the activities of separatist movements and their impact on regional stability. [2]