The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has publicly disowned Simon Ekpa, asserting that he is neither a member nor a representative of their movement.
In a press release issued on Wednesday, IPOB firmly distanced itself from Ekpa, who claims to be the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE).
“Simon Ekpa has never been a member of IPOB, let alone a leader in our movement,” IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, declared.
The statement accused Ekpa of creating and supporting violent groups in the southeastern region of Nigeria under the guise of Biafra agitation.
“Simon Ekpa and his group, Biafra Liberation Army, have perpetuated kidnappings, killings, and destruction of homes in the name of Biafra,” IPOB alleged.
The group described Ekpa as a “destructive agent” who has recruited criminals to destabilize the region and tarnish IPOB’s image.
Founded by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB is a peaceful movement seeking Biafra’s independence through a United Nations-supervised referendum.
“IPOB has remained non-violent for over two decades, despite the provocations from successive Nigerian governments,” the release stated.
IPOB reiterated its commitment to civil disobedience, emphasizing that it does not condone or engage in violence.
“Our struggle for self-determination is rooted in peace,” Comrade Powerful added.
Ekpa, who resides in Finland, has faced accusations of promoting violence in southeastern Nigeria.
“His so-called Biafra Liberation Army is responsible for heinous acts, including kidnappings and attacks on civilians,” IPOB claimed.
The group also accused Ekpa of collaborating with unnamed Nigerian politicians to discredit IPOB’s peaceful struggle.
“Simon Ekpa’s actions are a deliberate attempt to demonize our movement,” the statement read.
The controversy escalated following a BBC News report that referred to Ekpa as an IPOB leader.
IPOB swiftly rejected this claim, urging the BBC and Finnish authorities to refrain from associating Ekpa with their movement.
“We demand that institutions like the BBC stop spreading falsehoods linking Simon Ekpa to IPOB,” the group stated.
IPOB criticized both the Nigerian and Finnish governments for failing to hold Ekpa accountable for his alleged crimes.
“Simon Ekpa has been shielded from arrest through diplomatic maneuvering,” IPOB alleged.
Despite this, the group expressed confidence that “every crime has a day of reckoning.”
IPOB urged its members and supporters to remain focused on the release of their leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained by Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS) since 2021.
“Our priority remains the release of our leader and the restoration of Biafra through peaceful means,” Comrade Powerful emphasized.
Kanu was arrested in Kenya in 2021 and brought to Nigeria in what IPOB has described as an “extraordinary rendition.”
In a stern message, IPOB reiterated its disapproval of Ekpa’s activities.
“Simon Ekpa has no relationship with IPOB, either in Finland or anywhere globally,” the group stated.
“We categorically reject any attempt to associate our peaceful movement with his violent agenda.”
The statement concluded with a call for unity among IPOB members and supporters, urging them to ignore distractions and focus on their goals.
“We remain resolute in our peaceful struggle for Biafra,” IPOB declared.
