The Federal Government has hailed the conviction of Simon Ekpa, a self-styled pro-Biafra agitator, by a Finnish court, describing the ruling as a milestone in the fight against terrorism and a vindication of Nigeria’s long-standing position on his activities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Monday sentenced Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism offences, a verdict Abuja said not only delivered justice to countless victims of his incitement but also strengthened bilateral ties between Nigeria and Finland.
For years, Ekpa, operating from abroad, has been accused of orchestrating violence through the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), leading to killings, destruction of property, and widespread fear in parts of the South-East.
“Hundreds of lives were lost, many more maimed, families shattered, businesses destroyed, and children orphaned, all in pursuit of a destructive and unlawful agenda,” the Federal Government said in a statement.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, who issued the statement in Abuja, commended the Finnish judiciary for upholding the rule of law, stressing that the ruling “sends a clear signal to extremists everywhere that justice will always catch up with those who seek to destabilise societies through terror.”
He reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s determination to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect its citizens, pledging the continued mobilisation of diplomatic, military, and judicial resources to preserve national peace and unity.
Idris urged those still carrying arms under Ekpa’s influence to abandon violence and embrace peace, adding that Nigeria remains “big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.”
The government also expressed appreciation to the National Security Adviser’s office, the Armed Forces, intelligence and security agencies, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police for their sacrifices in securing the country, describing their efforts and the resilience of Nigerians as “the backbone of our enduring unity.”
The statement called on citizens at home and abroad to see the development as a turning point and work together for peace, security, and national cohesion.
