Finnish court convicts Simon Ekpa of terrorism and tax fraud, linking his online orders from Finland to violent attacks in Nigeria’s south-east. He faces six years in prison but plans to appeal
Finland Court Jails Pro-Biafra Agitator Simon Ekpa for Terrorism, Tax Fraud
A Finnish court has dealt a heavy blow to pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa, sentencing him to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism offences and aggravated tax fraud.
The Päijät-Häme District Court concluded that Ekpa’s online rants were not just empty words but direct incitements to bloodshed. Between August 2021 and November 2024, the activist, operating from his base in Lahti, Finland, allegedly weaponised his social media platforms to orchestrate chaos in Nigeria’s volatile south-east.
Prosecutors painted a damning picture: Ekpa was not only posting directives on X (formerly Twitter) that encouraged attacks but was also “actively promoting and facilitating terrorism” by helping to arrange weapons, explosives, and ammunition for separatist militias.
By trying him under Finnish law, the court underscored that geography is no shield for extremism. Ekpa’s physical distance from Nigeria did not absolve him of responsibility for the violence his words and actions fuelled.
The conviction extends beyond terrorism. The court also found Ekpa guilty of aggravated tax fraud, revealing a double life where calls for “freedom” were accompanied by financial misconduct.
Still, the saga is not over. Ekpa retains the right to appeal the ruling before a higher court — a move that could prolong the legal battle but may do little to erase the damning evidence laid out against him. Read More
More to come…
