Simon Ekpa’s prison sentence in Finland has been shortened by two years, following an appeal court ruling that upheld his terrorism-related convictions but reduced the punishment imposed by a lower court.

Gist9ja reported that the ruling relates to Ekpa’s activities in connection with the campaign for an independent Biafran state in south-eastern Nigeria. Finnish public broadcaster Yle reported on Thursday that the appeal court considered the security situation in the region when reviewing the sentence, noting that the violence bore similarities to a civil war but did not meet the formal definition.

The case covered activities between August 2021 and November 2024. In September 2025, the Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced Ekpa to six years in prison after finding him guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes.

The lower court also convicted him of aggravated tax fraud and offences under Finland’s Lawyers Act. PUNCH Online reported that Ekpa had facilitated the supply of weapons, explosives and ammunition to armed groups and encouraged followers on X to commit crimes in Nigeria, as cited by Gist9ja.

The prosecution had challenged the original sentence, arguing that six years was insufficient given the seriousness of the offences. Ekpa, who moved to Finland in 2007 and previously served on Lahti’s city council, denied acting with terrorist intent during his trial.