Lahti, Finland – Nigerian-born Simon Ekpa has been sentenced to six years in prison by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland for terrorism-related offences. Ekpa, a long-term resident of Lahti and former local councillor, was found guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes.
Court documents say Ekpa used his social media following to escalate tensions in Nigeria’s Biafra region between August 2021 and November 2024. He allegedly played a key role in a separatist movement that formed armed groups seeking independence by force, supplying them with weapons, explosives, and ammunition.
Ekpa reportedly encouraged followers on the platform X to commit crimes in Nigeria. The offences were carried out from Lahti, giving Finnish authorities jurisdiction over the case.
Ekpa, who moved to Finland in 2007 as an athlete, denied all charges. He was also convicted of aggravated tax fraud. The verdict can be appealed in a higher court.
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