Federal Government Hails Simon Ekpa’s Six-Year Jail Term

The Federal Government has praised the six-year prison sentence handed to Simon Ekpa, a self-styled pro-Biafra agitator convicted of terrorism offenses by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland.

In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the government described the ruling as a landmark moment — both for the innocent Nigerians who suffered from the violence Ekpa incited and for the strengthening of Nigeria–Finland relations.

“For years, Ekpa’s reckless incitement and orchestration of violence through IPOB terror activities unleashed unspeakable pain on Nigeria. 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,” the statement read.

Idris commended the Finnish judiciary for upholding the rule of law, noting that the verdict validates Nigeria’s consistent stance on the matter and sends a warning to extremists worldwide that justice will eventually prevail.

He affirmed that the Tinubu administration remains unwavering in its resolve to protect Nigeria’s sovereignty and safeguard citizens, pledging to mobilize every diplomatic, military, and judicial resource to preserve peace and unity.

The government urged those influenced by Ekpa’s agitation to lay down their arms and embrace peace, stressing that “Nigeria is big enough for all its people, but there can be no progress where violence and division prevail.”

The statement also expressed gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, the Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police for their sacrifices and dedication in defending the nation.

“As we mark this turning point, the Federal Government calls on all Nigerians, at home and abroad, to work together for national unity, peace, and security,” Idris added.