By Nkechi Eze
The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Christopher Gwabin Musa, has commended the judgment delivered on Monday by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland, sentencing Simon Ekpa to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.
In a statement signed by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, General Musa described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global effort to combat terrorism and violent extremism. He stressed that the conviction underscores a fundamental principle of international law: that those who incite violence and finance terrorism will be held accountable, no matter their location.
“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,” General Musa said. “The Armed Forces of Nigeria commend the Finnish authorities for their diligence in ensuring justice is served.”
The CDS also expressed deep appreciation to Nigerian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies as well as diplomats for their painstaking efforts and collaboration, which provided actionable evidence leading to Ekpa’s conviction. He noted that the outcome is a testament to the effectiveness of international cooperation in addressing transnational threats.
General Musa further reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ determination to continue working closely with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks and safeguard peace and security across Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and to support the security agencies in the ongoing fight against insurgency and violent separatist movements.
