A Finnish Court of Appeal on Thursday modified the prison sentence handed down to Biafra separatist leader Simon Ekpa, reducing his term from six years to four years while sustaining his conviction on terrorism charges.
The appellate panel upheld the core findings of the Päijät-Häme District Court, which found Ekpa guilty of participating in the activities of a terrorist group and incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent through social media channels.
While reviewing the sentence, the appellate judges evaluated the context of armed tensions in south-eastern Nigeria presented during trial proceedings.
Although the tribunal rejected arguments that the regional security situation absolved the defendant of terrorist intent, the court determined that the prevailing circumstances warranted a mitigation of the prison term. Prosecutors had previously established that Ekpa operated from Finland as a key leader directing non-state armed groups active across the South-East region.
The appellate ruling maintains his guilt on the primary terrorism charges while formally reducing the total custodial term to four years.
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