The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, categorically stating that he is not affiliated with the organization in any way. This development comes on the heels of Ekpa’s arrest and detainment in Finland on Thursday, where he was apprehended by Finnish authorities over allegations related to terrorist activities and instigation of violence in the South East region of Nigeria.
Simon Ekpa, who has self-identified as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In Exile (BRGIE), was taken into custody after a series of controversial actions that have raised concerns among both Biafran activists and the international community. His arrest has attracted significant attention, particularly because of his controversial role in the pro-Biafra movement, as well as his calls for violent resistance. Despite his claims of being a leader in the struggle for Biafra, IPOB has been quick to reject any association with Ekpa following his arrest.
In a statement issued on Friday, IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, firmly denied any links to Ekpa and the Biafra Republic Government In Exile (BRGIE). Powerful emphasized that Ekpa has never been a registered member of IPOB, and his actions have been inconsistent with the peaceful principles of the organization. He further clarified that Ekpa is not a member of any IPOB unit in Finland or anywhere else in the world, despite claims to the contrary. Powerful also accused Ekpa of being an agent with ulterior motives, asserting that he has been paid to infiltrate and destroy the peaceful movement for Biafra's self-determination.
The statement went on to say, “For public records, Simon Ekpa has never been a member of IPOB led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently being detained illegally in the DSS solitary confinement by the Nigerian Government since almost four years.” The statement highlighted that IPOB is a peaceful organization, founded by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, with the sole objective of seeking Biafra’s independence through a peaceful and supervised UN referendum. The IPOB leadership has continually emphasized that their movement is nonviolent, in stark contrast to the violent tactics that Ekpa has been accused of promoting in recent years.
Powerful further explained that IPOB has active family units in Finland and around the world, but Simon Ekpa is not a member of any such unit, including those in Finland. The group reiterated that Ekpa’s actions have only served to harm the cause for Biafra’s independence by encouraging violence, which has led to the destabilization of the South East region in Nigeria. "On the other hand, Simon Ekpa was seen by some innocent Biafrans as someone sympathetic to the Biafra cause. Until they discovered that he was a destructive force. He recruited violent criminals to destabilize the South East Region in 2021,” the statement read. This statement strongly condemns Ekpa’s recruitment of violent elements to undermine the peaceful struggle that IPOB continues to advocate for. The leadership of IPOB firmly rejects such tactics and urges the public to remain focused on the true objectives of the movement: peaceful self-determination for the people of Biafra.
The IPOB leadership’s swift rejection of Simon Ekpa comes as part of their ongoing efforts to maintain the integrity of their movement and distance themselves from any actions or individuals who do not align with their core values of peace and justice for Biafrans. The organization has called for unity among all pro-Biafra groups to ensure that the struggle for Biafra's independence remains nonviolent and focused on diplomatic avenues such as a UN-supervised referendum.
