The Federal Government of Nigeria has hailed the sentencing of Simon Ekpa, a self-declared pro-Biafra agitator, to six years imprisonment by a Finnish court for terrorism-related crimes. Information Minister Mohammed Idris described the ruling as “a major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror.”
Ekpa was convicted by the Päijät-Häme District Court for participating in terrorist activities, inciting crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. The court found that Ekpa supplied weapons, explosives, and ammunition to armed groups linked to the separatist movement and encouraged violence through his social media platforms.
Speaking on his verified X account, Minister Idris stated, “We welcome the news of Simon Ekpa’s conviction by a Finland court for terrorism-related crimes, and his sentencing to six years in prison. A major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror.”
The Federal Government emphasized that the judgment reinforces Nigeria’s stance against extremism and terrorism and strengthens bilateral relations with Finland. The government reiterated its commitment under President Bola Tinubu to safeguarding national unity, sovereignty, and the dignity of every Nigerian through diplomatic, security, and judicial efforts.
Minister Idris also urged those influenced by Ekpa to abandon violence and work towards peace, reminding citizens that “Nigeria is big enough for its entire people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.”
