A Finnish court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a self-styled leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences in South East Nigeria.
The Päijät-Häme District Court found Ekpa guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation, public incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violating Finland’s Lawyers Act.
The ruling follows an investigation that revealed Ekpa used his significant social media influence to stoke unrest in southeastern Nigeria between August 2021 and November 2024, supplying armed groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition.
During the trial, he described himself as an “average supporter of Nigeria” until around the turn of the decade, when he learned that government-backed forces had attacked his home community in Biafra.
According to Ekpa, these troops killed three women from a group of about 200 widows whom he had been supporting from Finland.
Ekpa began hosting live social media broadcasts where he shared information, images, and videos about the situation in Biafra. He stated that he came to believe it would be best if the people of Biafra gained “freedom” from Nigeria.
Due to his social media activity, Ekpa reported being contacted by the local Biafran government and began relaying its messages to the world. He also said he acted as a messenger between individuals.
Ekpa claimed he was elected Prime Minister of the Biafran government-in-exile but described the role as purely ceremonial. He completely denied any involvement with the separatist group IPOB.
Ekpa has denied having any authority over the local government or armed groups, stating that his target audience has always been people outside Biafra.
Biafra has previously attempted to gain independence. A bid for secession in 1967 led to a genocidal civil war that lasted until 1970 and claimed about 3 million lives.
Reacting to the conviction, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, described it as “a major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror.” The government also urged Ekpa’s followers to abandon violence and pursue peaceful solutions.
The court’s decision can still be appealed, new members could face justice, and the verdict reinforces the global stance against transnational incitement of violence.
