The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a prominent pro-Biafra agitator, to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, the court found Ekpa guilty of inciting terrorism and actively participating in a terrorist group.
Incitement through Social Media
According to Finnish news outlet Yle, Ekpa used his significant social media following to incite violence and stir tensions in Nigeria’s southeastern region between August 2021 and November 2024.
The court noted that Ekpa’s influence was significant within a separatist movement aiming to establish an independent Biafran state.
Militant Activities and Propaganda
The three-member panel of judges in the case unanimously concluded that Ekpa was an influential figure in a militant separatist movement.
The court cited his involvement in supplying weapons, explosives, and ammunition to militant groups through his contacts in the region.
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Additionally, Ekpa was found guilty of using his platform on the social media site X (formerly Twitter) to encourage violent actions, including attacks on Nigerian security forces.
Aggravated Tax Fraud and Legal Violations
In addition to terrorism charges, Ekpa was convicted of aggravated tax fraud and violating the provisions of the Attorneys Act.
The court’s findings suggest that Ekpa not only engaged in criminal activities abroad but also exploited legal loopholes for personal gain.
Background and Rising Controversy
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-based lawyer, is a self-proclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a group that has been banned by the Nigerian government.
Following Kanu’s controversial extradition from Kenya in June 2021, Ekpa was appointed as the lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra, the group’s media outlet.
However, a few weeks later, IPOB dismissed Ekpa due to his refusal to sign the organisation’s rules of engagement, which led to a growing rift.
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This dismissal sparked a split within the secessionist movement, with Ekpa forming his own faction.
He continued to use his social media presence, particularly on X, to issue sit-at-home orders for residents in Nigeria’s southeast, urging them to boycott activities in support of Biafra.
His calls for violence against security forces deepened his divide with IPOB, which consistently distanced itself from Ekpa’s actions.
Legal Action and Recent Developments
Ekpa’s activities caught the attention of Finnish authorities, and in November 2024, he was arrested by law enforcement.
Following a lengthy investigation, he was convicted and sentenced by the Päijät-Häme District Court for spreading terrorist propaganda on social media platforms.
In March 2025, the Federal Government of Nigeria designated Ekpa as a “terrorism financier”, further solidifying his controversial reputation.
The ruling is seen as a significant step in holding individuals accountable for inciting violence and destabilising regions through online platforms.
This sentence reflects Finland’s commitment to holding individuals accountable for terrorism-related offences, regardless of their location, and sends a strong message about the role of social media in fuelling violence and unrest.
Sunday Michael Ogwu is a Nigerian journalist and editor of Pinnacle Daily. He is known for his work in business and economic reporting. He has held editorial roles in prominent Nigerian media outlets, where he has focused on economic policy, financial markets, and developmental issues affecting Nigeria and Africa more broadly.
