Pro-Biafra separatist campaigner, Simon Ekpa, has appealed the six-year prison sentence imposed on him for terrorism-related offences by a Finnish court.
However, Ekpa is not the only party challenging the verdict, as the Finnish prosecutor who handled the case has also filed an appeal, seeking a longer prison term on the grounds that the six-year sentence was inadequate considering the offences for which he was convicted.
According to BBC Pidgin, the Court of Appeal in Finland is expected to begin hearing the case within the next three weeks.
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024 and subsequently charged with inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of a terrorist group.
In September 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced him to six years in prison after finding him guilty of the offences.
The court held that Ekpa used his significant social media influence to escalate tension and unrest in Nigeria’s South-East between August 2021 and November 2024.
It also found that he was an influential figure within a militant separatist movement seeking to establish an independent Biafra state.
According to the court, Ekpa used his network of contacts in the region to supply certain groups with weapons, explosives and ammunition. He was also found to have encouraged his followers on X, formerly Twitter, to commit criminal acts in Nigeria.
Ekpa was further convicted of aggravated tax fraud and violating provisions of Finland’s Attorneys Act.
The separatist campaigner has described himself as a disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB.
In March 2025, the Federal Government designated Ekpa a terrorism financier.
The outcome of the appeal is expected to determine whether his six-year prison term will be upheld, reduced or increased.
