Finnish appeal court reduces Simon Ekpa’s jail term to four years

Finnish appeal court reduces Simon Ekpa’s prison sentence to four years

A Finnish Court of Appeal has reduced the prison sentence of pro-Biafran separatist Simon Ekpa from six years to four years while upholding his conviction on terrorism-related charges.

According to PUNCH, citing Finnish broadcaster Yle, the court delivered its ruling on Thursday, October 15, 2026.

The appellate court upheld Ekpa’s conviction for participating in a terrorist organisation and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes.

However, it reduced his sentence after considering the circumstances surrounding his activities in southeastern Nigeria.

Ekpa had argued that his involvement in the Biafran separatist movement was not motivated by terrorist intentions.

Prosecutors also challenged the original judgment, arguing that the six-year sentence was insufficient given the seriousness of his offences.

Ekpa was initially sentenced in September 2025 following investigations into his activities between August 2021 and November 2024.

The court previously found that he used social media to encourage violence in Nigeria.

Thursday’s ruling remains subject to further appeal.