Pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa has appealed his conviction and six-year prison sentence for terrorism-related offences in Finland.
The Finnish prosecutor handling the case has also lodged an appeal, arguing that the sentence handed down by the district court was inadequate considering the seriousness of Ekpa’s offences, according to BBC Pidgin.
The Finnish Court of Appeal is expected to consider both appeals within the next three weeks.
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024 and subsequently prosecuted for inciting terrorism and participating in the activities of a terrorist group.
In September 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court convicted Ekpa and sentenced him to six years in prison after finding him guilty of the terrorism-related offences.
The court found that Ekpa had used his substantial social media following to escalate tensions and violence in Nigeria’s South-East between August 2021 and November 2024.
It also determined that he was an influential member of a militant separatist movement seeking the establishment of an independent Biafra state in south-eastern Nigeria.
READ ALSO: Finland Jails Simon Ekpa for Six Years Over Terrorism Charges
According to the court’s findings, Ekpa used his network of contacts to facilitate the supply of weapons, explosives and ammunition to certain groups operating in the region.
The court further found that he encouraged his followers on X to commit crimes in Nigeria.
The prosecution’s appeal means Finnish authorities are seeking a longer prison term, while Ekpa’s own appeal seeks to overturn or reduce the consequences of his conviction.
Beyond the terrorism-related offences, Ekpa was also convicted of aggravated tax fraud and violating provisions of Finland’s Attorneys Act.
Ekpa has previously described himself as a disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
His activities and public statements have generated significant controversy in Nigeria, particularly in relation to insecurity and violence in the South-East.
In March 2025, the Nigerian government designated Ekpa as a “terrorism financier.”
The forthcoming appeal proceedings will determine whether his six-year sentence remains in place, is reduced or is increased following the respective challenges by Ekpa and the Finnish prosecution.