The Federal Government has welcomed the six-year jail sentence handed to Simon Ekpa, a self-styled pro-Biafra agitator convicted in Finland for terrorism offenses.
In a statement signed by Minister of Information and National Orientation Mohammed Idris, the government described the ruling as a landmark moment—both for Nigerians who suffered under the violence allegedly incited and financed by Ekpa and for strengthening ties between Nigeria and Finland.
“For years, Ekpa’s reckless incitement and orchestration of IPOB terror activities inflicted unspeakable pain on Nigeria,” the statement read. “Families shattered, businesses destroyed, children orphaned, and entire communities forced to live in fear. Hundreds of lives were lost, and many more maimed, in pursuit of a destructive agenda aimed at undermining our nation’s peace, unity, and sovereignty.”
The government praised the Finnish judiciary for upholding the rule of law, noting that the verdict validates Nigeria’s consistent position on Ekpa’s activities and sends a message that extremists cannot escape justice.
Reaffirming its resolve to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty, the Tinubu administration vowed to continue mobilizing diplomatic, military, and judicial resources to safeguard peace and territorial integrity. It also urged individuals influenced by Ekpa to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
The statement expressed gratitude to the National Security Adviser’s office, the Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Justice, and the Police for their sacrifices and courage in protecting Nigeria.
“As we mark this turning point, the Federal Government calls on all Nigerians, at home and abroad, to work together for national unity, peace, and security,” it added.
