By Barth Ikiebe
The Federal Government has commended Finland’s government for convicting self-styled pro Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, to six years imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, made this known in a statement he signed on Monday in Abuja.
Idris said that the ruling stands as a watershed moment, for the countless innocent Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods have been brutally disrupted by the reign of terror incited and financed by Ekpa and his collaborators.
He noted that the judgment also presented a platform for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland.
“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.
“Hundreds of lives were lost, and many more maimed, in pursuit of a destructive and unlawful agenda that sought to undermine the peace, unity, and sovereignty of our nation.
“By upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served, the Finnish judiciary has vindicated Nigeria’s consistent position on this matter,” Idris said.
According to him, it has 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 minister said the Tinubu’s administration remained unshakable in its resolve to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect the dignity of every citizen.
He added that, the Federal Government would continue to mobilise every resource, diplomatic, military, and judicial, to preserve the peace, unity, and territorial integrity of the country.
Idris urged all those who, under the misguidance of Simon Ekpa and others, that have taken up arms against their fatherland to immediately lay them down and embrace the path of peace.
“Nigeria is big enough for its entire people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.
“The Federal Government also extends its profound gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser and other Stakeholders for the result
“Their sacrifices, courage, and commitment continue to secure our homeland in the face of daunting challenges. Their service and the resilience of the Nigerian people remain the backbone of our enduring unity.
“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,” Idris said.
Earlier, A Finnish court sentenced Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra Government in Exile, to six years in prison for terrorism-related offenses.
Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities on November 21, 2024, following an investigation by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). Legal defense services
The investigation looked into accusations that Ekpa was inciting terrorism and promoting violence on social media, which allegedly contributed to unrest in southeastern Nigeria.
The Päijät-Häme District Court remanded Ekpa in custody after his arrest, citing the charges as “public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent” for offenses that occurred between August 2021 and November 2024.
During this investigation, the NBI also froze Ekpa’s assets, along with those of his associates and related companies.
