Finnish Court Reduces Simon Ekpa's Sentence to Four Years

The Finnish Court of Appeal has reduced Simon Ekpa's prison sentence from six years to four years while maintaining his conviction on terrorism-related charges. The Päijät-Häme District Court previously found Ekpa guilty of participating in a terrorist organization and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes.

Ekpa, who moved to Finland from Nigeria in 2007, was involved in activities aimed at re-establishing an independent state in the Biafra region of southeastern Nigeria. The appeal court noted that while the situation in Biafra resembled a civil war, it did not meet the legal definition of one.

Ekpa argued that his actions were not driven by terrorist intent. The prosecutor had also appealed the original six-year sentence, claiming it did not reflect the seriousness of the offences.

The ruling can still be appealed to a higher court. Ekpa's conviction in September 2025 included charges of aggravated tax fraud and violating provisions of the Lawyers Act, alongside his terrorist-related offences.