The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially disassociated itself from Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE). IPOB clarified that Ekpa has never been a member of its organization, describing his activities as contradictory to the movement’s peaceful objectives.
Ekpa, recently arrested in Finland alongside four others, is facing allegations of involvement in terror-related activities. Finnish authorities suspect him of inciting crimes with terrorist intent via social media and facilitating violence in Southeastern Nigeria. The others arrested are accused of financing these activities.
In a statement issued by IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group refuted any affiliation with Ekpa, emphasizing that IPOB is a peaceful global movement pursuing Biafra’s independence through non-violent means, including a United Nations-supervised referendum.
“Simon Ekpa has never been a registered member of IPOB, let alone its leader,” the statement read. IPOB accused Ekpa of recruiting criminals under the guise of the Biafra Liberation Army to destabilize the Southeast region, committing acts of violence, kidnapping, and destruction in the name of Biafra.
IPOB further alleged that Ekpa’s activities are part of a larger effort to undermine its peaceful self-determination struggle, suggesting that his actions serve the interests of external forces seeking to tarnish IPOB’s reputation.
The group called on the Finnish authorities and international organizations to refrain from linking Ekpa’s actions to IPOB, reiterating their commitment to non-violence. “IPOB remains focused on achieving Biafra’s sovereignty through civil disobedience and lawful processes,” the statement concluded.
This development underscores the rift within groups advocating for Biafran independence, with IPOB seeking to distance itself from factions engaging in violence.