BREAKING: Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa To Six Years Imprisionment for Terrorism Offences
- Nigeria News
- 01.09.2025
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BREAKING: Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism Offences
Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison for
terrorism-related crimes, tax fraud, and violations of professional law.
According to official documents obtained by BBC News Pidgin, the
judgment was delivered on Monday after months of trial proceedings.
is widely recognized for his involvement in the controversial Biafran separatist movement
in southeastern Nigeria. Known for his online activism, Ekpa used social media platforms to rally supporters,
build influence, and push for the independence of the Biafra region.He rose to prominence by leveraging political instability within the movement and presenting himself
as a central voice of leadership. While some Nigerians viewed him as a freedom fighter,
others accused him of fueling violence and instability.
- Participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation
- Incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes
- Aggravated tax fraud
- Violations of the Lawyers Act
The court revealed that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa
actively supported the establishment of armed groups in Nigeria,
which were later classified as terrorist organisations.
Reports confirmed that he allegedly equipped these groups with
weapons, explosives, and ammunition through an extensive contact network.
X (formerly Twitter) and other social platforms to
incite violence, promote terrorism, and encourage attacks in Nigeria.
Prosecutors argued that Ekpa deliberately spread messages that fueled unrest
and worsened insecurity in southeastern Nigeria.According to the judges, his broadcasts and posts
contributed to violent actions linked to separatist militias,
causing loss of lives and property in Nigeria.
May 30 and June 25, 2025. A three-judge panel
unanimously found Ekpa guilty. The proceedings detailed how his
leadership transformed the separatist movement into a
structured and militant organisation.Ekpa was initially arrested in December 2024 by Finnish authorities
on suspicion of inciting crimes with terrorist intent. He was detained in Lahti
pending trial, and although four other suspects were also arrested,
charges against them were later dropped due to lack of evidence.
and claimed he was being politically targeted for supporting Biafra.
His lawyers argued that he was exercising his right to free speech and
that his broadcasts did not directly incite violence.However, the court ruled that his activities went beyond free expression
and instead constituted deliberate actions to encourage terrorism.
Supporters of Biafra have criticized the judgment, claiming it
represents an attempt to silence their struggle for self-determination.
On the other hand, critics believe the verdict validates long-standing
accusations that Ekpa’s leadership was fueling violence in southeastern Nigeria.Analysts suggest that the conviction will weaken the separatist movement
by cutting off one of its major financial and organizational backbones.
Security experts in Nigeria also believe it may pave the way for
de-escalation of violence in the region.
Nigeria and Finland have had sensitive discussions over Ekpa’s activities,
particularly given that his influence extended across borders through
online platforms. The Finnish government has reiterated its commitment
to fighting terrorism, regardless of the nationality of the offender.
Furthermore, the case highlights the increasing role of social media inglobal terrorism investigations. It underscores the
need for tighter monitoring of online spaces used to coordinate violent movements.
marks a significant chapter in the ongoing conflict surrounding
the Biafra independence movement. While Ekpa maintains his innocence,
the court’s ruling sends a strong message against the use of digital
platforms to promote violence and separatism.As he begins his prison term, the future of the Biafra struggle
and its leadership remains uncertain. What is clear, however,
is that the Finnish court’s decision will have lasting effects
on international debates around terrorism, free speech, and
separatist movements in Africa.
