By John Umeh
A Finnish court has sentenced Simon Ekpa, the self-styled leader of a Biafra separatist group, to six years in prison after finding him guilty of terrorism-related offences. The ruling, delivered on Friday, marks a significant step in Finland’s effort to clamp down on individuals accused of using its territory to incite violence abroad.
Ekpa, a dual citizen of Nigeria and Finland, has been a prominent online voice calling for the independence of Biafra, a breakaway state in southeastern Nigeria. Prosecutors argued that he masterminded and coordinated activities that promoted violence, including attacks in Nigeria, while residing in Finland. His broadcasts and directives, they said, directly encouraged armed groups to carry out assaults that led to loss of lives and destruction of property.
The court found that although Ekpa did not personally execute the attacks, his speeches, fundraising, and digital campaigns amounted to aiding and abetting terrorism. The presiding judge stressed that Finland could not be used as a base to destabilize other nations through violent propaganda.
Ekpa’s defence team, however, maintained that he was merely exercising his right to free speech and political activism, insisting that he never endorsed violence. They have already signaled an intention to appeal the judgment, describing it as politically motivated and unfair.
In Nigeria, news of the sentencing has stirred mixed reactions. While some activists and sympathizers expressed shock, others welcomed the ruling, saying it could reduce violence in parts of the southeast where separatist agitations have often turned deadly. Security analysts believe the case may also serve as a precedent for how European countries handle diaspora activists accused of fueling conflicts in their home countries.
For now, Ekpa will begin serving his sentence in a Finnish correctional facility, even as his legal team pursues avenues to challenge the conviction. The ruling underscores the increasing willingness of international courts to hold individuals accountable for actions that cross borders and threaten global peace.
