CDS Commends Simon Ekpa’s Conviction in Finland for Terrorism.
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Musa, has welcomed the conviction of Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra agitator, by a Finnish court.
Ekpa was sentenced to six years in prison for terrorism-related offenses, including involvement in efforts to re-establish an independent state in Nigeria’s Biafra region, which was briefly independent in the late 1960s.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti, Finland, found Ekpa guilty of multiple charges, such as participation in terrorist activities, incitement to commit terrorism, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. The charges stemmed from his activities aimed at reigniting the Biafra separatist agenda.
Following the verdict, General Musa described the judgment as a landmark victory in the global fight against terrorism and violent extremism, affirming that sponsors of terrorism will be held accountable regardless of where they operate.
He praised Nigerian security agencies, intelligence operatives, law enforcement bodies, and diplomats for their coordinated efforts in sharing actionable evidence that led to Ekpa’s conviction.
This information was contained in a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau.
General Musa emphasized that the ruling sends a clear message that no individual or group sponsoring terrorism against Nigeria will find refuge anywhere.
He also highlighted the importance of international cooperation in addressing transnational security threats and reiterated the Armed Forces’ commitment to collaborating with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks.
Additionally, the CDS urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue supporting ongoing security operations.
The Attorney General of the Federation, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, also commended the conviction, stating that it confirmed Ekpa’s involvement in serious crimes against Nigerians, particularly in the South-East region.
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