The Federal Government of Nigeria has commended the the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, that convicted and sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorist activities.
- The Finnish court in a landmark ruling on Monday sentenced the self-styled auto-pilot leader of the indigenous people of Biafra (IPOB) to a six year jail term for sponsoring terrorist activities that led to wanton destruction and loss of lives in Southeast Nigeria between 2021 and 2024.
Reacting to the judgement is a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris said that “justice has been served.”
The statement reiterated that “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.”
Noting that the activities of Ekpa led to 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.
The minister stated that the Tinubu administration remains unshakable in its resolve to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and protect the dignity of every citizen.
Part of the statement further reads:
“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 also extends its profound gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the security and intelligence agencies, and the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police, whose 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.”
