Simon Ekpa appeals terrorism conviction as Finnish prosecutor seeks longer jail term

Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra activist, has challenged his terrorism conviction and six-year prison sentence in Finland. The Finnish prosecutor leading the case has also requested a longer jail term, arguing that the initial six-year sentencing was inadequate for the terrorism crimes. An appeal is anticipated at the Finnish Court of Appeal within the next three weeks.

Ekpa was detained by Finnish authorities in November 2024 and charged with inciting terrorism and involvement in a terrorist organization. In September 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court found him guilty of these terrorism-related offenses, sentencing him to six years in prison. The court concluded that Ekpa had utilized his substantial social media influence to incite conflict in Nigeria's South-East region between August 2021 and November 2024.

Additionally, the court determined that he was a key member of a separatist movement aiming to create an independent Biafra state within Nigeria. According to the court's findings, Ekpa provided weapons, explosives, and ammunition to various groups through his regional contacts. Furthermore, he allegedly inspired his followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit criminal acts in Nigeria.

Beyond the terrorism charges, Ekpa was also convicted of aggravated tax fraud and breach of Finland's Attorneys Act. Describing himself as a follower of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Ekpa was formally labeled a "terrorism financier" by the Nigerian government in March 2025.