A Finnish court has sentenced Nigerian-born Finnish politician, Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes and other offences.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti delivered the judgment on Monday, convicting the 40-year-old of multiple charges including participation in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. The court also ordered that he remain in custody.
According to court records, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa used social media to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through illegal means. Judges said he exploited divisions within a separatist movement to assume an influential role, helping to structure it into a more organised group.
The court found that under Ekpa’s influence, armed groups classified as terrorist organisations were formed. He was accused of providing weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his contacts, and encouraging his followers on social media to commit crimes in Nigeria.
The trial, held over 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, concluded with a unanimous verdict from a panel of three judges.
Ekpa denied all charges. He was first arrested in December 2024 on suspicion of inciting crimes with terrorist intent. While four other men were initially arrested in connection with the case, charges against them were later dropped due to lack of evidence.
Ekpa, once a municipal councillor in Lahti, is best known for his controversial role in the Biafran separatist movement. His online broadcasts and social media posts have long sparked both strong support and condemnation in Nigeria and abroad.
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