The Federal Government of Nigeria has lauded the recent judgment by the Päijät-HämeDistrict Court in Finland, which saw self-styled pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa,sentenced to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism offences. This landmark ruling, delivered on a Monday, has been hailed as a significant moment not only for the numerous innocent Nigerians whose lives and livelihoods were severely impacted by the terror incited and financed by Ekpa and his collaborators but also for bolstering bilateral relations between Nigeria and Finland.

According to Mohammed Idris, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Ekpa's activities, conducted through the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) involved reckless incitement and orchestration of violence. This unleashed profound suffering, resulting in shattered families, destroyed businesses, orphaned children, and entire communities living under constant fear. The Minister highlighted the tragic loss of hundreds of lives and the maiming of many more, all in pursuit of a destructive and unlawful agenda aimed at undermining Nigeria's peace, unity, and sovereignty.

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The Nigerian government views the Finnish judiciary's decision to uphold the rule of law and ensure justice as a vindication of Nigeria’s consistent stance on the matter. It also sends a clear message to extremists globally that their actions are being monitored, and justice will ultimately prevail against those who seek to destabilise societies through terror. The Tinubu administration has reiterated its unwavering commitment to defending Nigeria’s sovereignty and safeguarding the dignity of its citizens, vowing to deploy all available resources—diplomatic, military, and judicial—to preserve the nation's peace, unity, and territorial integrity.

The government has also urged those who, misguided by individuals like Simon Ekpa, have resorted to violence against their homeland, to abandon their arms and embrace peace, emphasizing that Nigeria offers ample space for all its people, but progress cannot be achieved amidst violence and division. Gratitude was also extended to various Nigerian agencies, including the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Armed Forces, security and intelligence agencies, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Nigeria Police, for their continuous efforts in ensuring national security.

Separately, Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubuon Social Media, expressed his appreciation for Finland following the sentencing. Taking to his X account (formerly Twitter), Olusegun simply wrote, “Thank you so much @thisisFINLAND.” This reaction came after the Finnish district court confirmed Ekpa's sentencing on charges related to terrorism, specifically incitement to violence and financing terrorism.

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Finnish law enforcement had previously confirmed that Ekpa, who refers to himself as the self-declared Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, actively used social media platforms to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting both civilians and government authorities. It was noted that the Finland Court had earlier ordered Simon Ekpa to be held in custody on charges of public incitement.

Furthermore, the Federal Government had already taken action against Ekpa. In March 2025, he and several other individuals and entities were placed on the Nigeria Sanctions List for alleged involvement in terrorism financing. This significant decision, based on recommendations by the Nigeria Sanctions Committee, empowers the government to impose sanctions on individuals and organizations linked to terror-related activities, in strict accordance with Section 54 of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.

TheNigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) had previously disclosed that the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), with the explicit approval of President Bola Tinubu, authorized the designation of these individuals and entities, underscoring the comprehensive approach taken by the Nigerian authorities to combat terrorism and its financing.