He promoted the independence of the Biafra region through illegal activities between 2021 and 2024.
The court also ruled on additional charges including aggravated tax fraud and violations of the Lawyers Act.
The trial began in May 2025, according to SaharaReporters, drawing international attention.
Ekpa’s alleged participation in a terrorist organisation was part of the accusations.
Prosecutors claimed his online activity incited crimes for terrorist purposes in Nigeria.
Finnish authorities investigated the case in collaboration with Nigerian law enforcement.
“We have a great deal of evidence regarding this individual’s online activity and communications,” said state prosecutor Sampsa Hakala.
Ekpa appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court and remained in custody since November 2024.
His lawyer, Kaarle Gummerus, raised questions about the reliability of Nigerian-provided information at the pre-trial hearing.
The Finnish National Prosecution Authority confirmed the charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
AFP reported that Ekpa, a self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, committed offenses in Lahti, southern Finland.
Ekpa’s activities were said to have coordinated separatist agitation through online platforms.
The court ruling stated that these actions potentially constituted terrorism under Finnish law.
Prosecutors had requested the maximum six-year prison sentence for Ekpa.
The charges relate to his leadership role in a faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
IPOB, banned in Nigeria in 2017, has long advocated for the secession of southeastern Nigeria.
The Igbo-dominated region was central to the 1967–1970 civil war, which resulted in over a million deaths.
Finnish authorities also examined financial links supporting Ekpa’s activities.
Four individuals suspected of funding the operations were initially detained but later released due to insufficient evidence.
Ekpa has consistently denied all charges against him during the trial proceedings.
The Prosecution Authority emphasized that Ekpa’s online communications directly encouraged acts of violence in Nigeria.
According to reports, Finnish police acted in coordination with Nigerian authorities to investigate the terror-related allegations.
Earlier, SaharaReporters detailed the trial and formal charges against the pro-Biafra agitator.
Ekpa’s arrest in November 2024 marked the beginning of the legal process in Finland.
The prosecution highlighted the use of digital platforms to propagate separatist messages with terrorist intent.
Ekpa’s dual citizenship has drawn international interest in the case.
The court ruling reinforces Finland’s stance on foreign nationals using the country as a base for criminal activities.
Ekpa’s conviction is considered significant in global counter-terrorism monitoring and online incitement regulations.
For context, the Indigenous People of Biafra remains proscribed as a terrorist organisation in Nigeria.
Finnish authorities maintain a strong commitment to investigating international terrorism-related offenses.
The court confirmed that Ekpa’s actions breached multiple Finnish statutes relating to terrorism and criminal incitement.
International observers continue to monitor the implications of Ekpa’s conviction for separatist movements.
Legal experts note that Finland’s approach highlights the global scope of online incitement laws.
Ekpa’s case demonstrates the cross-border nature of modern terrorism investigations.
The Päijät-Häme District Court’s ruling is expected to be referenced in future cases involving online radicalisation.
Ekpa will serve his sentence in a Finnish prison facility under national security regulations.
Simon Ekpa Terrorism Charges Highlight Online Radicalisation Risks
The court cited Ekpa’s sustained online activity as a primary factor in the conviction.
Authorities examined social media posts and digital communications linked to the pro-Biafra movement.
Experts warn that online platforms can facilitate international terrorism and incitement.
Finnish Prosecutors Detail Evidence Against Ekpa
The prosecution presented evidence of Ekpa’s coordination with supporters in Nigeria.
Financial transactions were analysed to determine links to unlawful activities.
The court reviewed messages, videos, and public statements attributed to Ekpa.
