A court in Finland has sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offenses.

Ekpa, who supports the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), received the sentence on Monday, September 1.

The Päijät-Häme district court found him guilty of encouraging terrorism and taking part in activities of a terrorist group.

Finnish news outlet Yle reported that the court said Ekpa used his large social media following to create tensions in Nigeria’s south-east from August 2021 to November 2024.

The court also said Ekpa provided certain groups with weapons, explosives, and ammunition through his contacts. He was accused of urging his followers on social media platform X to commit crimes in Nigeria.

Ekpa, who has lived in Lahti for many years and was once a local councillor, carried out these actions from Finland. This is why the Finnish court had the authority to try him.

During the trial, Ekpa denied all the charges against him.

Additionally, the court found him guilty of serious tax fraud and breaking rules under the Attorneys Act.