November 22, (THEWILL) – The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra has refuted claims by the BBC linking Simon Ekpa, the self-styled Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile, to its organisation.
This clarification comes amidst reports that Ekpa and four others were arrested in Finland for alleged terrorist activities.
Finland’s Central Criminal Police confirmed on Thursday that the arrests were tied to a preliminary investigation into crimes allegedly committed with terrorist intent.
In a strongly-worded statement issued Friday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group distanced itself from Ekpa, insisting he is neither a member nor a leader of the organisation.
IPOB reiterated its commitment to achieving Biafra’s independence through non-violent means, specifically via a United Nations-supervised referendum.
The statement read in part, “Simon Ekpa has never been a member of the global IPOB family movement. Contrary to the deliberate misinformation from the BBC, Simon Ekpa is not an IPOB leader. He is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or globally.
“IPOB, established by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is a peaceful movement dedicated to seeking Biafra’s independence through non-violent means. We have never resorted to violence or armed struggle despite provocations from successive Nigerian regimes.”
The group further accused Ekpa of forming the Biafra Liberation Army, which it described as a violent faction that contradicts IPOB’s principles.
IPOB also expressed disappointment with individuals who initially supported Ekpa, believing he was genuinely committed to the Biafran cause.
“Unfortunately, some innocent Biafrans, passionate about restoring the sovereignty of Biafra, were misled by Ekpa’s actions. It has since become clear that he is a destructive agent, paid to infiltrate and undermine our peaceful movement,” the statement added.
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