Updated: FG Hails Finland’s Conviction of Simon Ekpa

The Federal Government has welcomed the conviction of Simon Ekpa, a self-styled pro-Biafra agitator, by a Finnish court for terrorism offences.

The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland sentenced Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment, a development that has been hailed by the Nigerian government as a significant victory in the fight against terrorism.

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said on Monday: “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 destabilize societies through terror.”

The conviction is seen as a major breakthrough in the efforts to bring Ekpa to justice for his alleged role in inciting violence and promoting terrorism in Nigeria.

He noted that Ekpa’s activities had caused immense harm to innocent Nigerians, resulting in loss of lives, destruction of businesses, and displacement of communities.

“For years, Ekpa’s reckless incitement and orchestration of violence through IPOB terror activities unleashed unspeakable pain: families shattered, businesses destroyed, children orphaned, and entire communities forced to live under fear.”

Idris said the government’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure national security have been bolstered by the conviction.

The Minister reiterated the Tinubu administration’s call on all those who have taken up arms against the country to lay down their weapons and embrace peace.

Idris said:”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.

“The government remains committed to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and protecting the dignity of every citizen.”

The Minister expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, and the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police for their sacrifices and commitment to securing the country.

“Their service and the resilience of the Nigerian people remain the backbone of our enduring unity.”