Self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), Simon Ekpa, has expressed confidence that his prison sentence in Finland will be overturned on appeal, insisting that he has been wrongly imprisoned.
Ekpa made the remarks on Thursday, August 6, while addressing supporters during proceedings relating to his appeal against his conviction by a Finnish court.
Ekpa Maintains Innocence
Speaking to a group of Biafra supporters, Ekpa said he remained optimistic that the judicial process would eventually vindicate him.
According to him, the facts surrounding the case would ultimately emerge and demonstrate that the wrong person had been convicted.
“I’m very confident that the truth is going to come out. They will know that the wrong person has been imprisoned,” Ekpa said.
Convicted in Finland
Ekpa was convicted by a Finnish district court in 2025 on terrorism-related offences connected to allegations that linked him to violent incidents in Nigeria’s South-East.
Following the trial, the court sentenced him to six years’ imprisonment on September 1, 2025.
Finnish authorities had investigated his activities following allegations that his broadcasts and directives were connected to acts of violence and unrest in parts of southeastern Nigeria.
Appeal Underway
The appeal process is now underway, with Ekpa seeking to overturn both his conviction and prison sentence.
His latest comments reflect his belief that the appellate court will reach a different conclusion after reviewing the evidence presented in the case.
As of the time of this report, the Finnish appellate court has not delivered a ruling on the appeal.
Ekpa’s conviction remains in force pending the outcome of the appellate proceedings.
