Finnish Court Jails Nigerian-Born Politician Simon Ekpa For Six Years Over Terrorism Offences
A Finnish court has sentenced Nigerian-born politician and separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences, aggravated tax fraud, and other crimes.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland delivered the ruling on Monday, 1 September, ordering the 40-year-old to remain in custody.
Ekpa, a former Lahti municipal councillor, was found guilty of participating in the activities of a terrorist organisation, inciting crimes for terrorist purposes, and violating the Lawyers Act.
According to court documents, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa used social media to gain influence, exploited divisions within a Nigerian separatist movement, and rose to a central leadership role.
Judges found that he helped transform the movement into a structured organisation with armed groups classified as terrorist entities.
He was accused of procuring weapons, explosives and ammunition, and encouraging followers on X (formerly Twitter) to commit crimes in Nigeria.
Ekpa, who denied all charges, was arrested in December 2024 and tried between May and June 2025. A three-judge panel reached the unanimous verdict after 12 hearings.
The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation had earlier pursued charges against four other men, but their cases were dropped for lack of evidence.
