CDS Warns: Terror Sponsors Like Simon Ekpa Will Be Brought to Justice Worldwide

The Chief of Defence Staff, General Christopher Musa, has hailed the conviction of Simon Ekpa by a Finnish court, stressing that the judgment reinforces the principle that those who incite violence and fund terrorism will be held accountable, regardless of their location.

The Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Monday sentenced Ekpa to six years’ imprisonment for terrorism-related offences.

Reacting to the judgment, Musa described the ruling as a landmark victory in the global campaign against terrorism and violent extremism.

According to a statement by the Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Tukur Gusau, Musa said the judgment affirmed that no individual or group sponsoring terrorism against Nigeria would find a haven.

The statement partly 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.”

He commended Nigerian security, intelligence, and law enforcement agencies, alongside the country’s diplomats, for providing actionable evidence that aided the conviction.

He added that the outcome reflected the power of international collaboration in confronting transnational threats.

“The CDS 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. He noted that the success reflects the power of international cooperation and collaboration in addressing transnational threats, ” the statement added.

He said Musa reaffirmed the Armed Forces’ readiness to continue working with global partners to dismantle terrorist networks while urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and support ongoing security operations against insurgency and violent separatist movements.

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

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

source: Punch