…Says ruling vindicates Nigeria’s position, strengthens bilateral ties
…Vows to defend sovereignty, territorial integrity
By Sodiq Adelakun
The Federal Government has welcomed the conviction of Mr Simon Ekpa by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, describing the ruling as a landmark judgment that vindicates Nigeria’s stance on terrorism and strengthens bilateral ties with Finland.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Hon Mohammed Idris, on Monday, 1st September 2025.
The statement reads partly: “The Federal Government welcomes the landmark judgment of the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, which on Monday sentenced Simon Ekpa, a self-styled pro-Biafra agitator, to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism offences.
“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.
“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. Hundreds of lives were lost, and many more maimed, in pursuit of a destructive and unlawful agenda that sought to undermine the peace, unity, and sovereignty of our nation.
“By upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served, the Finnish judiciary has not only vindicated Nigeria’s consistent position on this matter but also sent a clear signal to extremists everywhere that the world is watching, and justice will catch up with those who seek to destabilise societies through terror.”
The Minister stressed that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains resolute in defending Nigeria’s sovereignty, dignity, and territorial integrity, adding that every resource—diplomatic, military, and judicial—would be mobilised to preserve peace and national unity.
He urged those who had taken up arms under the influence of Ekpa and other agitators to immediately lay them down and embrace peace, insisting that Nigeria is big enough for all its citizens but cannot prosper in violence and division.
The government expressed appreciation to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police for their sacrifices and commitment to safeguarding the nation.
The statement noted that their service, coupled with the resilience of the Nigerian people, remains the backbone of the country’s unity.
It further called on Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to continue working together to build peace, security, and national cohesion.