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Finnish court convicts Biafra agitator of inciting terrorism in Nigeria
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Prosecutors present extensive evidence of online radical activities
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Ekpa’s defence disputes credibility of Nigerian-sourced information
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced Nigerian-born separatist campaigner Simon Ekpa to six years in prison after finding him guilty of inciting terrorism linked to violent unrest in southeastern Nigeria.
Ekpa, who holds dual citizenship in Nigeria and Finland, was prosecuted for using digital platforms to push separatist propaganda under the name “Biafra Republic Government in Exile.”
Prosecutors told the court that his messages, directives and broadcasts fuelled violent attacks in Nigeria and amounted to active participation in a terrorist organisation.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala said while outlining the charges, which also included public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, aggravated tax fraud and violations of Finland’s Lawyers Act.
The activist was arrested in Lahti in November 2024 and has remained in custody since then. His lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, argued that the Nigerian evidence submitted against him was unreliable.
“Concerns remain about the credibility of information supplied by Nigerian authorities,” Gummerus told the court.
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The National Prosecution Authority also investigated potential funding streams that may have supported Ekpa’s activities. Four individuals were initially scrutinised for possible financial ties but were eventually cleared after insufficient evidence was found.
Ekpa, who has styled himself as the “Prime Minister” of a government-in-exile, became widely known for using social media to spread separatist rhetoric, drawing international concern over the reach of his broadcasts.
