A district court in Finland has issued a verdict against Simon Ekpa, sentencing him to six years in prison.
Ekpa was found guilty on multiple serious charges, terrorism-related offences, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of legal statutes governing attorneys.
Ekpa was convicted by the Paijat-Hame District Court of participating in a terrorist organisation and publicly inciting crimes with terrorist intent.
The court found that between August 2021 and November 2024, he used his social media influence to inflame tensions in Nigeria’s southeast, advocating for Biafran independence by force and supporting armed groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition.
In addition to the terrorism charges, Ekpa was also found guilty of aggravated tax fraud and breaches of attorney conduct regulations.
Born on March 21, 1985, in Ebonyi State, Nigeria, Simon Ekpa moved to Finland in 2007. A former athlete and local council member in Lahti, he later became a vocal leader of the Biafra independence movement and declared himself the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).
Arrested by Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation in November 2024, Ekpa was held pending further proceedings. He was specifically accused of inciting violence via social media and supporting armed separatist operations in Nigeria.
His assets and those linked to his associates were frozen as part of the pre-trial measures. However, the verdict is not final and may be appealed to a higher court.