The Nigerian government has applauded the conviction of separatist agitator Simon Ekpa by a Finnish court, hailing it as a pivotal moment for justice and international cooperation. The Päijät-Häme District Court sentenced Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment on terrorism charges, a ruling the Federal Government said stands as a “watershed moment” for countless Nigerians whose lives were “brutally disrupted” by his actions.
In a press statement, the government detailed that 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.” It emphasised that “hundreds of lives were lost, and many more maimed” due to the violence he incited.
The Finnish judiciary was commended for “upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served,” with the government stating this action has “vindicated Nigeria’s consistent position on this matter.” The ruling was also seen as a clear signal to extremists that “the world is watching, and justice will catch up with those who seek to destabilise societies through terror.”
The statement reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s “unshakable resolve to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty” and urged all those misled by Ekpa to “immediately lay down their arms and embrace the path of peace.” Profound gratitude was extended to the nation’s security agencies for their “sacrifices, courage, and commitment,” which continue to secure the homeland.