Finnish Court Finishes Simon Ekpa, Jail’s Him Six Years for Terrorism, Tax Fraud

A Finnish court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a prominent figure linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism-related offences and aggravated tax fraud.

The ruling, delivered by the Päijät-Häme District Court, marks a major legal milestone in Finland’s efforts to clamp down on international crimes with domestic implications.

According to the court’s judgment, Ekpa was convicted of participation in a terrorist organization and public incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes.

Prosecutors had accused him of using his base in Finland to coordinate, incite, and provide support for violent separatist activities in Nigeria’s South-East.

Between 2021 and 2024, he was found to have disseminated propaganda, encouraged the acquisition of weapons and explosives, and spread messages designed to inflame violence in the region.

The court also upheld charges of aggravated tax fraud, ruling that Ekpa mismanaged financial declarations connected to his activities and associated organizations.

Finnish authorities had previously frozen his assets and placed him in pre-trial detention following his arrest in November 2024.

The case drew wide attention both in Nigeria and Finland, as it combined terrorism charges with international political activism.

Prosecutors pressed for a stiff penalty, pointing to digital evidence, social media posts, and communications linking him to armed groups. While the six-year term aligns with the prosecution’s demand, Ekpa still retains the right to appeal the decision to a higher court.

The ruling has sparked mixed reactions. In Finland, officials said the outcome demonstrated the country’s resolve to uphold international counter-terrorism standards.

In Nigeria, observers noted that the judgment could influence separatist movements and ongoing debates about violence in the South-East.

While Ekpa’s legal team has yet to confirm whether they will pursue an appeal, the judgment stands as one of the most consequential convictions handed down against a diaspora activist accused of fueling unrest from abroad.