The Federal Government has commended the decision of a Finnish court to convict Simon Ekpa, a separatist agitator, on terrorism charges, describing the ruling as a validation of Nigeria’s position on his activities and a step forward in bilateral relations with Finland.

In a statement issued on Monday by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government said the six-year sentence handed down by the Päijät-Häme District Court underscored the international community’s recognition of the consequences of incitement and violence linked to the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
“This ruling stands as a watershed moment – not only 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—but also for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland,” Idris said.

Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian origin, was found guilty of participating in a terrorist organisation and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes. The court also convicted him of aggravated tax fraud. His conviction followed a lengthy investigation by Finnish authorities, who alleged that he used his social media platforms to encourage violence in Nigeria’s southeast and provided support to armed groups in the region.

The Federal Government said the conviction confirmed its longstanding position that Ekpa’s actions had direct consequences for communities in Nigeria.
“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,” Idris said.

The statement added that the Tinubu administration would continue to defend the country’s sovereignty and mobilise diplomatic, military, and judicial resources to protect citizens.

The government also appealed to those who had been influenced by Ekpa and others to abandon violence and pursue peace.
“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 minister said.

The Federal Government expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the intelligence agencies, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police for their roles in addressing security challenges linked to separatist violence.
“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.