Simon Ekpa, the pro-Biafra agitator convicted of terrorism-related offences in Finland, has appealed his six-year prison sentence, even as the Finnish prosecutor handling the case seeks a longer jail term.
The prosecutor is arguing that the sentence imposed on Ekpa is inadequate considering the terrorism offences for which he was convicted.
The Finnish Court of Appeal is expected to hear Ekpa’s appeal within the next three weeks.
Ekpa Arrested in Finland
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish law enforcement authorities in November 2024 and subsequently charged with inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of a terrorist group.
In September 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced him to six years in prison after finding him guilty of the offences.
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The court held that Ekpa had used his significant social media following to fuel tensions in Nigeria’s South-East between August 2021 and November 2024.
It also described him as an influential figure within a militant separatist movement seeking to establish an independent Biafra state from Nigeria.
Court Links Ekpa to Weapons Supply
The Finnish court further found that Ekpa had supplied weapons, explosives and ammunition to certain groups through his network of contacts in the South-East.
The court also ruled that he had encouraged his followers on X, formerly known as Twitter, to commit crimes in Nigeria.
In addition to the terrorism-related convictions, Ekpa was found guilty of aggravated tax fraud and violating provisions of Finland’s Attorneys Act.
Nigeria Declares Ekpa Terrorism Financier
Ekpa, who has described himself as a disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, was designated a terrorism financier by the Nigerian government in March 2025.
His appeal will now be considered by the Finnish Court of Appeal, while the prosecution is seeking an increase in the prison term imposed by the lower court.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.