Pro-Biafra activist Simon Ekpa has appealed against his conviction and six-year prison sentence handed down by a Finnish court over terrorism-related offences.
The Finnish prosecutor handling the case has also filed an appeal, arguing that the sentence imposed on Ekpa was inadequate and seeking a longer term of imprisonment, according to BBC Pidgin.
The appeals are expected to be heard by the Finnish Court of Appeal within the next three weeks.
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024 and charged with inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of a terrorist group.
In September 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court convicted him and sentenced him to six years in prison after finding that his activities had contributed to violence and instability in Nigeria’s South-East.
The court said Ekpa had leveraged his substantial social media following between August 2021 and November 2024 to escalate tensions in the region.
It also described him as an influential figure within a militant separatist movement advocating the establishment of an independent Biafra.
According to the court’s findings, Ekpa used his network of contacts to facilitate the supply of weapons, explosives and ammunition to certain groups in Nigeria.
The court further found that he encouraged followers on X to commit crimes in Nigeria.
Beyond the terrorism-related offences, Ekpa was also convicted of aggravated tax fraud and violating provisions of Finland’s Attorneys Act.
Ekpa has previously identified himself as a disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Nigerian government designated Ekpa as a “terrorism financier” in March 2025.
The latest appeals will now give the Finnish Court of Appeal the opportunity to review both Ekpa’s conviction and sentence, as well as the prosecution’s demand for a harsher punishment.
