The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure in the Biafra agitation movement, asserting that he was never a member of the organization. This declaration comes in the wake of Ekpa’s recent arrest in Finland on charges related to terrorist propaganda and incitement.
IPOB’s Statement
In a statement released by Emma Powerful, IPOB’s spokesperson, the organization emphasized that Ekpa does not hold any affiliation with its global family and has never been a registered member of any IPOB unit, including those in Finland. The statement categorically declared, “Simon Ekpa was never and is not an IPOB member, let alone being a leader in IPOB.”
Powerful further described Ekpa as a “destructive agent” who was allegedly paid to infiltrate and undermine the peaceful movement for Biafra’s independence. He accused Ekpa of recruiting violent criminals to destabilize the southeastern region of Nigeria since 2021, claiming that his actions have led to significant violence and unrest.
Background on Simon Ekpa
Simon Ekpa, who has positioned himself as the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), was arrested alongside four others by Finnish authorities. He faces charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, stemming from activities conducted primarily through social media. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation has stated that these actions have resulted in violence against civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s southeastern region.
Ekpa’s controversial directives, including calls for sit-at-home orders in southeastern Nigeria and his association with armed groups such as the Biafra Liberation Army, have drawn widespread criticism. His faction has been linked to various violent incidents, leading many to question his legitimacy as a leader within the broader Biafran struggle.
Reactions from IPOB Leadership
IPOB’s leadership has consistently rejected any connection to Ekpa, particularly following his appointment to manage Radio Biafra after Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest in 2021. However, he was later dismissed for failing to adhere to the organization’s rules. This dismissal led to a split within the movement, with Ekpa subsequently forming his own faction and issuing counter-orders that contradicted IPOB’s directives.
The organisation reiterated its commitment to a peaceful approach in its quest for Biafran independence through a supervised UN referendum. “IPOB is a peaceful global movement that has never taken to violence or arms struggle in two decades of our self-determination struggle,” Powerful stated. The disavowal of Simon Ekpa by IPOB highlights ongoing tensions within the Biafran agitation movement and raises questions about leadership legitimacy and accountability. As Ekpa faces legal challenges in Finland, IPOB aims to reinforce its image as a peaceful organisation dedicated to achieving self-determination through lawful means.
By Joseph Johnston,
Youth Editor,
Egogonews Hub
