Simon Ekpa Appeals 6-Year Terrorism Sentence as Finland Prosecutor Demands Longer Jail Term

(Simon Ekpa. Photo by Vanguard News)

Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra separatist campaigner, has challenged his six-year prison sentence for terrorism-related offences in Finland.

The Finnish prosecutor in the case has also appealed, arguing that the sentence was too lenient and asking for a longer prison term.

The Finnish Court of Appeal is expected to hear the case within three weeks.

Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024 and charged with inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of a terrorist group.

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

The court said Ekpa used his large social media following to stoke tensions in Nigeria’s South-East region between August 2021 and November 2024.

The court determined he was an influential member of a militant separatist movement working to establish an independent Biafra state in Nigeria.

According to the court, Ekpa supplied weapons, explosives and ammunition to certain groups through his contacts in the region.

He also encouraged his followers on social media to commit crimes in Nigeria.

Ekpa was also found guilty of aggravated tax fraud and violating provisions of Finland’s Attorneys Act.

The separatist campaigner describes himself as a follower of Nnamdi Kanu, who leads the Indigenous People of Biafra, a banned organisation.

In March 2025, the Nigerian Federal Government officially designated Ekpa a terrorism financier.