The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland has sentenced self-acclaimed Prime Minister of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, to six years imprisonment after finding him guilty of terrorism-related offences and financial crimes.
In its ruling, the court held that Ekpa incited crimes committed with terrorist intent and actively participated in the activities of a terrorist organisation. He was also convicted of aggravated tax fraud and violating provisions of the Attorneys Act.
According to the court, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa sought to promote the independence of the Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through illegal means. He was said to have used social media to build a politically influential position while directing and encouraging followers to commit crimes in Nigeria.
The judgment further revealed that the pro-Biafra movement under Ekpa’s influence established armed groups, which the court classified as terrorist organisations. Investigations showed that Ekpa supplied the groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his contacts.
The court concluded that Ekpa’s online activities, especially on his X (formerly Twitter) account, included urging and enticing his supporters to engage in acts of violence.