The apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, has commended the Federal Government for the jailing of Simon Ekpa in Finland, saying it is a “landmark victory.”

Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and pro-Biafra separatist, was sentenced to six years in prison on Monday by a Finnish court for terrorism-related crimes, tax fraud, and other offences.

Ohanaeze Ndigbo’s Deputy President, Okechukwu Isiguzoro, in a statement on Tuesday, praised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of State for Defence, Dr. Bello Matawalle; and the Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, for helping bring Ekpa to justice

“We commend the government for its landmark victory, specifically the incarceration of Simon Njoku Ekpa in Finland, resulting in a six-year prison sentence for terrorism-related charges,” Isiguzoro said.

Isiguzoro said Ekpa’s actions had caused fear and stopped normal life in many parts of the South-East but with his arrest and sentencing, peace is slowly returning.

He added; “This development underscores the Igbo people’s resolute opposition to armed struggle under the guise of Biafra agitation. We unequivocally condemn terrorism in all its forms and reject any deviation from nonviolent self-determination principles. The Igbo nation stands united for peace and constructive dialogue.”

Isiguzoro also called on young people who followed Ekpa to drop their weapons and choose peace, saying “We recognise that many of Ekpa’s followers are educated graduates and young entrepreneurs misled by false promises.

“This is a renewed clarion call for all armed agitators to surrender and cease violence. The Igbo leadership will advocate for rehabilitation and youth empowerment programs for repentant individuals,” he added.