In a major diplomatic victory for Nigeria, the federal government has expressed immense satisfaction with the six-year prison sentence handed down to Simon Ekpa by a Finnish court. The verdict, which found the self-proclaimed leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile guilty of terrorism-related offenses, has been hailed as a monumental step toward peace and stability in Nigeria's southeastern region.
According to a statement from the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, the ruling is not only a triumph for the countless innocent Nigerians who suffered from Ekpa's "reign of terror" but also a testament to the strengthening of bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland. For years, Ekpa's online activities were believed to have incited and orchestrated violence, leading to shattered families, destroyed businesses, and a profound sense of fear within communities.
The Nigerian government views the Finnish judiciary's decision as a clear message to extremists worldwide that they will be held accountable for their actions, regardless of their location. The Tinubu administration has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to protecting Nigeria's sovereignty and urged all those who have been misguided by Ekpa to renounce violence and embrace peace. The government also extended its gratitude to its security and intelligence agencies for their crucial role in this process.