Finland Court Sentences Simon Ekpa to Six Years in Prison Over Terrorism Charges

Finland Court Sentences Simon Ekpa to Six Years in Prison Over Terrorism Charges

In a landmark ruling with international implications, a Finnish district court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), to six years in prison for crimes linked to incitement of violence and terrorism-related activities in Nigeria.

Ekpa, a dual citizen of Finland and Nigeria, has been a controversial figure since taking over as a leading voice of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) following the arrest of Nnamdi Kanu in 2021. From his base in Lahti, Finland, Ekpa regularly issued directives and broadcast messages calling for sit-at-home orders and other civil disobedience campaigns across Nigeria’s South-East region, many of which were followed by deadly attacks on civilians, security forces, and public infrastructure.

The Arrest and Charges

Finnish police arrested Ekpa in November 2024 after sustained diplomatic pressure from Nigeria and complaints from human rights groups who accused him of fanning the flames of violence from abroad. He was charged with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent and participation in a terrorist organization, offences that carry heavy penalties under Finnish law.

According to prosecutors, Ekpa’s social media broadcasts from August 2021 to November 2024 directly contributed to coordinated attacks and killings in Nigeria’s South-East. The court found that his activities went beyond free speech and amounted to the promotion of terrorism, leading to loss of lives and property.

Court Verdict and Sentence

After months of trial proceedings that began in May 2025, the court handed down a six-year custodial sentence on September 1, 2025. Delivering judgment, the presiding judge stated that Ekpa’s actions had “a direct and devastating impact on human lives,” and that his conviction should serve as a deterrent to others who use digital platforms to instigate violence.

Ekpa’s lawyers have indicated that they will appeal the sentence, arguing that he was merely exercising his right to free expression and political activism.

Reactions in Nigeria and Beyond

The Nigerian government has welcomed the judgment, calling it a step forward in its efforts to curb insecurity in the South-East. A spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated:

“The conviction of Simon Ekpa by the Finnish court shows that the international community is beginning to take seriously the cross-border nature of terrorism. Nigeria will continue to collaborate with foreign governments to ensure that no one uses another country as a safe haven to destabilize ours.”

Residents of the South-East have expressed mixed reactions. While some hailed the verdict as a relief that may bring an end to the frequent sit-at-home orders that cripple businesses, others argued that Ekpa’s imprisonment will not resolve the deeper issues of marginalization and underdevelopment fueling agitations in the region.

Global Significance

At kpomkwem news we say this ruling sets a precedent for holding diaspora activists accountable for violence incited across borders. It also highlights the growing responsibility of European states to monitor extremist content online, regardless of where its impact is felt.

With this sentencing, attention now shifts to whether Nigeria will push for Ekpa’s extradition to face additional charges at home, a move complicated by his Finnish citizenship and human rights protections.

For now, the verdict represents one of the strongest international crackdowns on digital-age agitation and could mark a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against separatist violence.