Deborah Akinyosoye
The Federal Government has hinted that it may seek the repatriation of Simon Ekpa to Nigeria following his six-year jail sentence in Finland for terrorism-related offences.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Monday sentenced the Nigerian-born Finnish to six years in prison for terrorism-related crimes and other offences.
The 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted on multiple charges, including participation in the activities of a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act.
The court ordered that Ekpa remain in custody.
Reacting to the verdict, the FG welcomed the decision, describing it as a major step in the global fight against extremism and a boost to international legal cooperation.
In a statement signed by the Minister of Information and National Oreintation, Muhammed Idris, the government said, “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.”
The government commended the Finnish judiciary for what it described as a firm stand in upholding the rule of law, while reiterating its commitment to using diplomatic, legal, and security channels to maintain national peace and sovereignty.
Idris noted, “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 statement also reaffirmed the Tinubu administration’s commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and maintaining peace and unity through all available means—diplomatic, military, and judicial.
Calling on followers of Ekpa and others involved in separatist violence to renounce armed struggle, the government urged them to lay down their arms and embrace peace.
“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 minister also expressed appreciation to Nigeria’s security and intelligence agencies, the Armed Forces, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Office of the National Security Adviser for their continued efforts in maintaining national security amid ongoing challenges.
The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, also welcomed the ruling, describing it as “a landmark victory in the global effort to combat terrorism and violent extremism.”
In a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier-General Tukur Gusau, the CDS stated, “The conviction reinforces the principle that those who incite violence and fund terrorism will be held accountable, regardless of their location.”
Musa also commended Nigeria’s law enforcement, intelligence agencies, and diplomats, saying their work demonstrated the power of international collaboration.
“The success reflects the power of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing transnational threats,” the statement read.