Fresh Twist: Simon Ekpa Appeals Lengthy Jail Sentence In Finland

Biafra separatist campaigner Simon Ekpa has appealed the six-year prison sentence handed to him by a Finnish court over terrorism-related offences.

Ekpa, who was convicted by the Päijät-Häme District Court, is challenging the judgment before the Finnish Court of Appeal, with the hearing expected to take place within the next three weeks.

The Finnish prosecutor handling the case has also filed an appeal, arguing that the six-year sentence imposed on the Nigerian-born separatist was inadequate considering the offences for which he was convicted.

Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa in November 2024 following investigations into his activities and alleged links to violent separatist operations in Nigeria’s South-East.

He was subsequently prosecuted on charges relating to incitement to terrorism and participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation.

In September 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court found him guilty and sentenced him to six years in prison.

According to BBC Pidgin, the prosecution is seeking a longer sentence, while Ekpa is asking the appellate court to overturn or reduce the punishment.

In its judgment, the Finnish court found that Ekpa used his extensive social media presence to promote activities that contributed to heightened tensions in Nigeria’s South-East.

The court said he leveraged his “significant social media following” to intensify tensions in the region between August 2021 and November 2024.

The judgment described Ekpa as an influential figure in a militant separatist movement seeking to establish an independent Biafra state from Nigeria.

The court further found that he facilitated the supply of weapons, explosives and ammunition to certain groups through contacts in the region.

It also ruled that Ekpa encouraged his followers on X to commit criminal acts in Nigeria.

His legal troubles in Finland extended beyond the terrorism-related offences. The district court also convicted him of aggravated tax fraud and an offence connected to Finland’s Attorneys Act.

The convictions followed an extensive investigation into his activities and communications while based in Finland.

Ekpa has previously described himself as a disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Meanwhile, the Federal Government of Nigeria designated Ekpa a “terrorism financier” in March 2025 as part of measures taken against individuals accused of supporting violent activities.