Finland appeals court trims Simon Ekpa's terrorism term to four years

Finland's Court of Appeal affirmed the terrorism-related conviction of Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian immigrant who has lived in Lahti since 2007, but lowered his custodial term from six to four years. The original verdict by the Päijät-Häme District Court found Ekpa guilty of participating in a terrorist group and publicly encouraging violent acts to revive an independent Biafra state, citing his large online following as a tool for agitation from August 2021 through November 2024.

In reducing the sentence, the appellate judges noted that one outlet unrest in the Biafra region, while severe, did not meet the legal definition of a civil war. Ekpa argued that the political turmoil negated terrorist intent, and the prosecutor had also appealed, claiming the sentence was too lenient. Ekpa, 41, previously served on Lahti's city council for the National Coalition Party. The decision is not final and may be taken to a higher court.