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The Federal Government has welcomed the landmark judgment of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which on Monday, September 1, sentenced Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed pro-Biafra agitator, to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.
In a statement issued by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the ruling as a significant milestone.
According to him, the verdict not only delivers justice for countless Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods were devastated by Ekpa’s incitement and sponsorship of violence but also strengthens diplomatic ties between Nigeria and Finland.
The minister noted that Ekpa’s persistent promotion of IPOB-led terror activities had caused widespread suffering over the years, families torn apart, businesses ruined, children orphaned, and communities forced to live in constant fear.
He added that hundreds of Nigerians lost their lives, while many others were left permanently injured, all in the pursuit of what he called a destructive and unlawful agenda designed to destabilize the peace, unity, and sovereignty of the country.
“By upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served, the Finnish judiciary has not only vindicated Nigeria’s consistent position on this matter but also sent a clear signal to extremists everywhere that the world is watching, and justice will catch up with those who seek to destabilise societies through terror, the statement read.
“The Tinubu administration remains unshakable in its resolve to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect the dignity of every citizen. We will continue to mobilize every resource, diplomatic, military, and judicial, to preserve the peace, unity, and territorial integrity of our country.
“We urge all those who, under the misguidance of Simon Ekpa and others, have taken up arms against their fatherland to immediately lay them down and embrace the path of peace. Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.”
The Federal Government further expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police for their dedication and contributions to maintaining national security.
“As we mark this turning point, the Federal Government enjoins all Nigerians, at home and abroad, to work together for national unity, peace, and security of the country,” the statement added.
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