The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has welcomed the verdict of a Finnish court sentencing Simon Ekpa to six years imprisonment for terrorism-related offences, describing it as a major victory in the global war against terrorism and violent extremism.
The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland delivered the judgment on Monday, convicting Ekpa for sponsoring and inciting violence that destabilized communities in Nigeria.
General Musa praised the ruling, stressing that it reinforces a critical global principle: those who incite or bankroll terror will face justice, no matter where they hide.
“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,” Musa said. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria commend the Finnish authorities for their diligence in ensuring justice is served.”
The CDS further applauded Nigerian security agencies, intelligence operatives, law enforcement institutions, and diplomats whose coordinated efforts provided actionable evidence leading to the conviction.
He noted that the outcome is proof of the power of international cooperation in tackling cross-border security threats.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment, General Musa assured that the Armed Forces will continue to work with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks and secure peace.
He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and support security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency and separatist violence.