Simon Ekpa Not a Member of IPOB, Says Group
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed separatist group, has disassociated itself from Simon Ekpa, stating he is neither a member nor a leader of the organisation.
In a statement issued on Friday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group reiterated its commitment to a peaceful struggle for the independence of Biafra through a United Nations-supervised referendum. The statement also condemned Ekpa for allegedly forming a violent group, the Biafra Liberation Army, which IPOB claims undermines its principles.
This clarification came in response to Ekpa’s recent arrest by Finnish authorities. Ekpa, who refers to himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), was detained on Thursday on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Four alleged financiers of terrorist activities were also arrested in connection with the case.
IPOB Distances Itself from Ekpa
IPOB denied any affiliation with Ekpa, accusing him of tarnishing the group’s image and misleading innocent Biafrans. “Simon Ekpa has never been a member of the global IPOB family movement, let alone its leader,” the statement read.
The group also criticized misinformation from international media, including the BBC, which had reportedly referred to Ekpa as an IPOB leader. “IPOB has some family units in Finland, but Simon Ekpa is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or globally,” the statement clarified.
Commitment to Peaceful Advocacy
Founded by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to non-violent advocacy for Biafran independence, rejecting any association with arms struggle or violent activities.
“For two decades, IPOB has remained a peaceful movement despite provocations from successive regimes in Nigeria,” Emma Powerful stated.
The spokesperson expressed regret that some Biafrans had mistakenly supported Ekpa, believing he was working in the interest of the Biafran cause. “Sadly, they had to learn the hard way that he was a destructive agent paid to infiltrate and destroy IPOB’s peaceful movement,” he added.
Background
Simon Ekpa has been a controversial figure in the Biafran independence movement, particularly for his confrontational tactics and promotion of violent resistance. IPOB’s strong disavowal of Ekpa reflects its effort to maintain its reputation as a non-violent organisation amid accusations of extremism.
Ekpa’s arrest and the ongoing investigation may have significant implications for the broader struggle for Biafran self-determination, as well as for the global perception of separatist movements originating from Nigeria.
