Finland jails Simon Ekpa six years for terrorism, tax fraud

Finland jails Simon Ekpa six years for terrorism, tax fraud

By: Zagazola Makama

A Finnish court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, a self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, to six years imprisonment for terrorism offences and tax fraud.

The Päijät-Häme District Court found Ekpa guilty of inciting a public crime committed with terrorist intent, participating in the activities of a terrorist group, aggravated tax fraud, and violating the Attorneys Act.

According to the court, Ekpa sought to promote the independence of the Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria by illegal means between August 2021 and November 2024.

The court said he used social media to build a politically influential position while supporting groups designated as terrorist organisations.

It said the movement under Ekpa established armed groups, supplied with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his network of contacts.

“Ekpa urged and enticed his followers on his X account to commit crimes in Nigeria,” the court said.

The conviction marks the most high-profile ruling in Finland involving terrorism-related offences linked to Nigeria.

Finland jails Simon Ekpa six years for terrorism, tax fraud