Ekpa’s 6-year jail term sends clear warning to terrorism sponsors – Military

Nigeria’s military high command has issued a stern warning to individuals and organisations sponsoring terrorism against the country from abroad, urging them to desist or face dire consequences.

The military referenced the recent conviction of Nigerian-born separatist agitator, Simon Ekpa, in Finland as a strong signal that there is no safe haven for those who promote or finance acts of terror against Nigeria.

Ekpa, a key pro-Biafra figure, was sentenced to six years in prison by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Lahti, Finland. According to reports from Finnish news outlet Yle, the 40-year-old was found guilty of participating in terrorist activities and inciting crimes for terrorist purposes.

READ ALSO: BREAKING: Finnish Court jails Simon Ekpa for 6 years over terrorism charges

Reacting to the development, the Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Christopher Musa, said Nigeria would not in any way tolerate anybody that wants to destabilise Nigeria or any other sovereign nations.

Musa, who spoke via a statement signed by the Director, Defence Information, Tukur Gusau, a Brigadier-General, described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global effort to combat terrorism and violent extremism.

The statement sent in reaction to the Daily Trust’s enquiries was titled: “CDS commends Finnish court verdict on Simon Ekpa, reaffirms commitment to fighting against terrorism”.

It read, “The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has expressed firm support for the judgment delivered today by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, sentencing Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.

“General Musa described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global effort to combat terrorism and violent extremism, noting that the conviction reinforces the principle that those who incite violence and fund terrorism will be held accountable, regardless of their location.”

Musa was quoted to have said, “This judgment sends a strong message that there is no safe haven for individuals or groups who sponsor or encourage acts of terror against Nigeria or any other sovereign state.

“The Armed Forces of Nigeria commend the Finnish authorities for their diligence in ensuring justice is served.”

The Defence Chief also extended deep appreciation to Nigerian security, intelligence, law enforcement agencies and diplomats for their unwavering collaboration and painstaking efforts in providing actionable evidence that led to Ekpa’s conviction.

The top military officer noted that the success reflects the power of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing transnational threats.

“Gen. Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ resolve to continue working with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks and ensure lasting peace and security across Nigeria,” the statement added.

He called on all Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency and violent separatist movements.