Biafra separatist campaigner, Simon Ekpa, has appealed the six-year prison sentence handed down to him in Finland for terrorism-related offences.
Ekpa, who was convicted by the Päijät-Häme District Court, is challenging the judgment before the Finnish Court of Appeal, with the hearing expected to take place within the next three weeks.
The Finnish prosecutor handling the case has also filed an appeal, arguing that the sentence imposed on the Nigerian-born separatist leader was insufficient for the offences for which he was convicted.
Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa in November 2024 following investigations into his activities and alleged links to violent separatist activities in Nigeria’s South-East.
He was subsequently prosecuted on charges relating to incitement to terrorism and participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation.
In September 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court found Ekpa guilty and sentenced him to six years in prison.
According to BBC Pidgin, the prosecution is seeking a heavier sentence, while Ekpa is asking the appellate court to overturn or reduce the punishment.
In its judgment, the Finnish court held that Ekpa had exploited his extensive social media presence to promote activities that heightened tensions in Nigeria’s South-East.
The court said the separatist campaigner had used his “significant social media following” to fuel tensions in the region between August 2021 and November 2024.
The judgment described Ekpa as an influential figure within a militant separatist movement seeking to establish an independent Biafra state from Nigeria.
The court further found that he had facilitated the supply of weapons, explosives and ammunition to certain groups through contacts in the region.
It also ruled that Ekpa encouraged his followers on 𝕏 to commit crimes in Nigeria.
Ekpa’s legal troubles in Finland extended beyond the terrorism-related charges. The district court also convicted him of aggravated tax fraud and an offence relating to Finland’s Attorneys Act.
His conviction followed a lengthy investigation into his activities and communications from Finland.
Ekpa has described himself as a disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Federal Government of Nigeria had earlier taken action against Ekpa, designating him a “terrorism financier” in March 2025.
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