ABUJA — The Federal Government has applauded the landmark judgment of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which on Monday sentenced self-styled pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the ruling as a watershed moment — both for the countless Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods were disrupted by Ekpa’s actions and for the strengthening of Nigeria–Finland relations.
“For years, Ekpa’s reckless incitement and orchestration of violence through IPOB terror activities unleashed unspeakable pain on Nigeria,” Idris said. “Families shattered, businesses destroyed, children orphaned, and entire communities forced to live under fear. Hundreds of lives were lost, and many more maimed, in pursuit of a destructive and unlawful agenda.”
The minister lauded the Finnish judiciary for “upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served,” stressing that the verdict validates Nigeria’s long-standing position on Ekpa’s activities and sends “a clear signal to extremists everywhere that the world is watching.”
He reiterated the Tinubu administration’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting its citizens, noting that the government will continue to mobilize diplomatic, military, and judicial resources to preserve peace and unity.
The statement urged followers of Ekpa and other agitators to lay down their arms and embrace peace: “Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.”
Idris also extended the government’s gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police for their sacrifices in safeguarding the country.
“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,” the statement added.
Comments