This is a major victory for the Nigerian people - FG welcomes Simon Ekpa’s 6-year jail sentence

The Federal Government has hailed the six-year prison sentence handed to pro-Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa in Finland as a milestone in Nigerias fight against terrorism. On Monday, September 1, the Pijt-Hme District Court found Ekpa guilty of inciting terrorist acts and associating with a terrorist group, concluding that he had used his extensive social media following to promote violence and destabilisation across the South-East between August 2021 and November 2024. Reacting to the ruling, Mohammed Idris, Minister of Information and National Orientation, described it as a major victory in the war against terror in Nigeria. He posted on X: We welcome the news of Simon Ekpas conviction by a Finnish court for terrorism-related crimes, and his sentencing to six years in prison. A major victory for the Nigerian people in the collective fight against terror. Ekpa, a self-proclaimed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was a key figure behind the controversial sit-at-home protests in the South-East, which have resulted in the deaths of civilians and security personnel. Following Kanus extradition from Kenya in June 2021, Ekpa briefly served as lead broadcaster at Radio Biafra. However, IPOB dismissed him for failing to comply with the stations code of conduct, prompting him to establish a breakaway faction. Finnish authorities arrested Ekpa in November 2024, later convicting him of spreading terrorist propaganda on social media. In March 2025, Nigeria formally designated him as a "terrorism financier." The statement from the Nigerian government reads in full:"The Federal Government welcomes the landmark judgment of the Pijt-Hme 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 collaboratorsbut also for the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland. For years, Ekpas 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 Nigerias 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 destabilize societies through terror. The Tinubu administration remains unshakable in its resolve to defend Nigerias sovereignty and protect the dignity of every citizen. We will continue to mobilize every resource, diplomatic, military, and judicial, to preserve the peace, unity, and territorial integrity of our country. 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 Federal Government also extends its profound gratitude to the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Nigerian Armed Forces, the security and intelligence agencies, and the Federal Ministry of Justice and the Nigeria Police, whose sacrifices, courage, and commitment continue to secure our homeland in the face of daunting challenges. Their service and the resilience of the Nigerian people remain the backbone of our enduring unity. 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." The post This is a major victory for the Nigerian people - FG welcomes Simon Ekpas 6-year jail sentence appeared first on Linda Ikeji Blog.