Abuja, September 1, 2025 – The Federal Government of Nigeria has praised Finland following the sentencing of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, to six years in prison for terrorism offences.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, a decision the Nigerian government described as a “watershed moment” for victims of violence linked to IPOB activities.
Ekpa’s Role in IPOB Violence
According to a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Ekpa’s incitement and sponsorship of violence left devastating impacts across Nigeria’s Southeast.
“For years, Ekpa’s reckless incitement and orchestration of violence through IPOB terror activities unleashed unspeakable pain: families shattered, businesses destroyed, children orphaned, and communities forced to live under fear,” the statement said.
The government noted that hundreds of lives were lost, with many others injured or displaced, as a result of the violent campaigns inspired by Ekpa and his associates.
Victory for Rule of Law and Bilateral Relations
The Federal Government said the judgment vindicates Nigeria’s consistent position on IPOB and strengthens diplomatic ties with Finland.
“By upholding the rule of law, the Finnish judiciary has not only supported Nigeria’s stance but also sent a clear signal to extremists everywhere: justice will catch up with those who seek to destabilize societies through terror,” the statement read.
Tinubu Administration Reaffirms Commitment to Unity
The statement reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and peace. The government pledged to continue mobilizing diplomatic, military, and judicial resources against terrorism and separatist violence.
“Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail,” Idris stressed.
Call for Peace and Acknowledgment of Security Agencies
The Federal Government urged followers of Simon Ekpa and other agitators to renounce violence and embrace peace. It also expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Police, and the Federal Ministry of Justice for their sacrifices.
“As we mark this turning point, the Federal Government enjoins all Nigerians, at home and abroad, to work together for national unity, peace, and securit
y,” the statement concluded. – The Federal Government of Nigeria has praised Finland following the sentencing of Simon Ekpa, a Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, to six years in prison for terrorism offences.
The ruling was delivered on Monday by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, a decision the Nigerian government described as a “watershed moment” for victims of violence linked to IPOB activities.
Ekpa’s Role in IPOB Violence
According to a statement by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, Ekpa’s incitement and sponsorship of violence left devastating impacts across Nigeria’s Southeast.
“For years, Ekpa’s reckless incitement and orchestration of violence through IPOB terror activities unleashed unspeakable pain: families shattered, businesses destroyed, children orphaned, and communities forced to live under fear,” the statement said.
The government noted that hundreds of lives were lost, with many others injured or displaced, as a result of the violent campaigns inspired by Ekpa and his associates.
Victory for Rule of Law and Bilateral Relations
The Federal Government said the judgment vindicates Nigeria’s consistent position on IPOB and strengthens diplomatic ties with Finland.
“By upholding the rule of law, the Finnish judiciary has not only supported Nigeria’s stance but also sent a clear signal to extremists everywhere: justice will catch up with those who seek to destabilize societies through terror,” the statement read.
Tinubu Administration Reaffirms Commitment to Unity
The statement reaffirmed President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to protecting Nigeria’s sovereignty, unity, and peace. The government pledged to continue mobilizing diplomatic, military, and judicial resources against terrorism and separatist violence.
“Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail,” Idris stressed.
Call for Peace and Acknowledgment of Security Agencies
The Federal Government urged followers of Simon Ekpa and other agitators to renounce violence and embrace peace. It also expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, intelligence agencies, the Police, and the Federal Ministry of Justice for their sacrifices.
“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 concluded.
