Finnish Court Jails Simon Ekpa Six Years for Terrorism, Fraud

A Finnish court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, the self-styled Prime Minister of Biafra, to six years in prison for terrorism offences and tax fraud.

The Päijät-Häme District Court ruled that between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa incited violence and promoted separatist activities in Nigeria through illegal means.

The court found him guilty of inciting crimes with terrorist intent, participating in a terrorist group, aggravated tax fraud, and violating Finland’s Attorneys Act.

According to the judgment, Ekpa used his social media platforms to mobilise support, build political influence, and urge his followers to commit violent crimes in Nigeria.

The court further held that groups under his direction established armed militias and acquired weapons, ammunition, and explosives through his contacts.

“This conviction is the most high-profile ruling in Finland linked to terrorism-related offences tied to Nigeria,” the court noted.

In a swift reaction, Nigeria’s Federal Government welcomed the ruling on Simon Ekpa.

Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described the judgment as a “watershed moment” for victims of IPOB-related violence.

“For years, Ekpa’s reckless incitement unleashed unspeakable pain – families shattered, businesses destroyed, and entire communities forced to live in fear,” he said.

The minister added that the ruling vindicated Nigeria’s long-standing position and sent “a clear signal to extremists everywhere that justice will catch up with those who destabilise societies through terror.”

He urged followers of Ekpa to lay down their arms and embrace peace.