The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), following his arrest by Finnish authorities for alleged terror-related activities.
Ekpa, alongside four others, was detained on Thursday, November 21, on charges including public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent and financing terrorism.
According to Finnish Police, Ekpa is suspected of promoting actions that have led to violence against civilians and authorities in Southeastern Nigeria.
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“The man has carried out this activity, among other things, on his social media channels,” said Crime Commissioner Otto Hiltunen.
The four other suspects are accused of funding these activities.
In a press release issued on Friday, November 21, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful categorically denied any association with Ekpa, emphasizing that he has never been a registered member of IPOB.
“Simon Ekpa has never and is not an IPOB member, let alone being a leader in IPOB,” the statement read.
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“IPOB is a peaceful global movement that has never taken to violence or arms struggle in two decades of our self-determination struggle.”
The group accused Ekpa of recruiting violent criminals under the guise of Biafra agitation and creating the Biafra Liberation Army, a group responsible for numerous violent acts in the Southeastern region of Nigeria.
IPOB alleged that Ekpa and his associates have engaged in activities such as kidnappings, arson, and violence against civilians, tarnishing the legitimate Biafra self-determination struggle.
“His group, BRGIE, and the Nigerian Army are responsible for many kidnappings, rapes, forceful disappearances, killings, and burning of homes in the South Eastern region,” IPOB claimed.
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The organization accused Ekpa of being an infiltrator whose actions have undermined IPOB’s peaceful quest for Biafra’s independence through a United Nations-supervised referendum.
IPOB called on international authorities, including the Finnish government and media outlets like the BBC, to refrain from linking Ekpa’s actions to IPOB.
“Simon Ekpa has no relationship whatsoever with IPOB in Finland or any other unit globally,” the group stated, reiterating its commitment to non-violent civil disobedience as a strategy for achieving its goals.
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Emma Powerful urged IPOB members and supporters to remain calm and focused on the movement’s objectives despite Ekpa’s alleged actions.
The group emphasized that IPOB is a peaceful organization dedicated to the restoration of Biafra through legitimate means.
Ekpa’s arrest marks a significant development in the efforts to address violence in Southeastern Nigeria, with IPOB making it clear that it does not condone or support any form of violent agitation.