The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has once again distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). This comes after Ekpa’s arrest in Finland on suspicion of terrorist activities.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, Comrade Emma Powerful, the group emphasized that Ekpa has never been a member of IPOB and is not a registered member in any country, including Finland. IPOB also disassociated itself from Ekpa’s BRGIE, labeling him an agent paid to infiltrate and destroy the IPOB’s peaceful movement for Biafra self-determination.
Powerful noted that contrary to reports by BBC News, Ekpa is not an IPOB leader, but rather a destructive element who has recruited violent criminals to destabilize the South East Region .IPOB warned that no person or institution should link Simon Ekpa and his group to IPOB, insisting that it has no relationship whatsoever with his group.
Ekpa’s arrest in Finland follows allegations of inciting violence and terrorism financing. The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation has been probing Ekpa’s activities, including his role in promoting violence in southeastern Nigeria.
