Simon Ekpa, a Finnish-based Nigerian separatist leader, has been sentenced to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences. The Päijät-Häme District Court found him guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation, inciting violence, and aggravated tax fraud.
Ekpa, who leads the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), was accused of using his social media platforms to mobilise armed groups and disrupt life in Nigeria’s South-East between 2021 and 2024. The court also ruled that he supplied weapons and ammunition to militants.
The Nigerian government welcomed the verdict. Minister of Information Mohammed Idris described it as “a major victory in the fight against terrorism,” while the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, said it sent a strong message that “terrorism sponsors cannot escape justice, even abroad.”
Ekpa, born in Ebonyi State, Finland citizen, rose to prominence after the arrest of IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu. He is known for enforcing “sit-at-home” orders that paralyzed southeastern Nigeria. His legal team retains the right to appeal the judgment.
