Nigerian government has hailed Finland following the conviction of Simon Ekpa, a separatist leader linked to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), for terrorism offences.
A court in Päijät-Häme, Finland, on Monday sentenced Mr Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment.
In a statement on Monday, minister of information and national orientation Mohammed Idris described the judgement as a significant step for victims of violence linked to Ekpa’s activities and for relations between Nigeria and Finland.
The government maintained that Ekpa’s incitement and sponsorship of attacks in Nigeria led to loss of lives, destruction of property and insecurity in parts of the southeast.
Ekpa, who refers to himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in exile, was arrested by Finnish authorities in November 2024 alongside four others.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police said at the time that the suspects were linked to terrorist activities, including public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The police alleged that Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, used social media to encourage violence against civilians and authorities in southeastern Nigeria.
Four others were accused of financing the activities.
Monday’s conviction follows investigations and hearings that began in late 2024.
Ekpa was first arrested in February 2023 but later released.
The Nigerian government said it would continue to defend Nigeria’s sovereignty and called on those influenced by Ekpa to renounce violence.
It also expressed appreciation to the office of the national security adviser, the armed forces, security and intelligence agencies, the ministry of justice and the police for their roles in safeguarding the country.
Idris urged Nigerians at home and abroad to support peace, unity and security.