Finnish Court Jails Nigerian Separatist Leader Simon Ekpa 6 Years for Terrorism Charges

RYNI News | Omotayo Stephen . O
2 September 2025

A Finnish district court has delivered a seismic judgment against Nigerian-born political activist Simon Ekpa, sentencing him to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes and other serious offences.

The verdict, handed down on Monday at the Päijät-Häme District Court, marks the climax of a high-profile trial that has gripped Finland, Nigeria, and the wider international community.

Ekpa, 40, a former municipal councillor in Lahti, was convicted on multiple counts: participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit terrorist crimes, aggravated tax fraud, and breaches of the Lawyers Act. The panel of three judges ruled unanimously, ordering that he remain in custody.

According to official court documents, Ekpa’s actions spanned from August 2021 to November 2024. During this period, he actively promoted the independence of southeastern Nigeria’s so-called Biafra region through methods the court deemed illegal and violent.

The judgment revealed that Ekpa wielded social media as his primary weapon, carving out an influential political niche for himself by exploiting divisions within Nigeria’s separatist circles. “He played a significant role in transforming the movement into a more structured organisation,” the court stated.

Investigations disclosed that under his influence, armed groups classified as terrorist organisations were formed. Prosecutors argued—and the court agreed—that Ekpa supplied these groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition via an international contact network. He also used his platform on X (formerly Twitter) to incite followers to commit crimes in Nigeria.

The case drew considerable attention, not only for the charges but also for the defendant’s background. Ekpa, once regarded as a rising politician in Finland’s local government, rose to notoriety for his uncompromising rhetoric and inflammatory broadcasts from abroad. While his supporters hailed him as a freedom fighter, critics accused him of orchestrating violence in a homeland he had long left behind.

The trial, conducted over 12 sessions between May 30 and June 25, 2025, laid bare the complexity of transnational activism in the digital era. Finnish authorities first arrested Ekpa in December 2024, holding him on suspicion of incitement to terrorism. Although four other suspects were initially detained, they were later released without charges due to insufficient evidence.

Ekpa denied all allegations throughout the proceedings, insisting he was targeted for his political views. However, the unanimous verdict underscored the weight of the evidence presented against him.

For Finland, the case signals a firm stance on terrorism offences committed within its borders, regardless of international context. For Nigeria, it reopens old wounds of separatist agitation and raises fresh questions about the role of diaspora actors in fueling unrest back home.

Stay updated with the latest news across Nigeria and beyond — visit RYNI News

For Event Coverage, Advert Placements, Article Publications.
Email: rynimedia@gmail.com
Contact Us on WhatsApp