The District Court of Päijät-Häme in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a 40-year-old Nigerian-born political activist, to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism-related offenses, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of professional conduct as a lawyer.
Ekpa, who once served as a local politician in Lahti, was convicted for activities linked to the Biafra separatist struggle in southeastern Nigeria. The court ruled that between 2021 and 2024, he used social media to consolidate political influence and exploited divisions within a major Nigerian separatist group to assume a leadership position.
According to the verdict, Ekpa and his associates developed the separatist movement into an increasingly organized structure, under which armed groups—designated as terrorist organizations by the court—operated. He was found guilty of active participation in the group’s operations and of publicly inciting others to commit terrorist acts.
In addition, the court held him liable for aggravated tax fraud and breaching regulations that govern the legal profession.
During the trial, Ekpa insisted that he had no operational control over separatist groups in Nigeria, arguing that his role was symbolic. He claimed to have been chosen as “Prime Minister” of the self-proclaimed Biafran government-in-exile but described the position as largely ceremonial.
Ekpa also defended his activism, saying he became outspoken after learning that government-backed forces allegedly attacked his hometown in Biafra, killing three women among a group of widows he had supported from Finland.
He denied any direct involvement with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) or authority over armed factions, stressing that his messaging was always directed at audiences outside Nigeria.
