Pro-Biafra separatist campaigner, Simon Ekpa, has appealed the six-year prison sentence handed down to him by a Finnish court over terrorism-related offences.
The Finnish prosecutor handling the case has also appealed the judgment, asking the Court of Appeal to impose a longer prison term on Ekpa, arguing that the sentence handed down by the lower court was inadequate for the offences committed.
The Finnish Court of Appeal is expected to consider both appeals within the next three weeks.
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024 and subsequently charged with participating in the activities of a terrorist group and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes.
On September 1, 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court convicted him and sentenced him to six years in prison. The court found that he had used his substantial social media following to heighten tensions in Nigeria’s South-East between August 2021 and November 2024.
The court also ruled that Ekpa was an influential figure in a militant separatist movement seeking an independent Biafra and had, through a network of contacts, supplied certain groups with weapons, explosives and ammunition.
It further found that he encouraged followers on X, formerly known as Twitter, to commit crimes in Nigeria.
Apart from the terrorism-related convictions, Ekpa was found guilty of aggravated tax fraud and violating provisions of Finland’s Attorneys Act.
Ekpa, who has described himself as a disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has denied sponsoring terrorism.
His appeal means the six-year sentence remains subject to review by the Finnish appellate court, while the prosecution’s separate appeal could result in a stiffer sentence.
