Olayiwola Matthew
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has firmly distanced itself from Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa, following his sentencing to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.
In a statement released Monday by IPOB’s Media and Publicity Secretary, the group emphasised that Ekpa has never been a member of IPOB or its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“The record is clear. IPOB, under oath in a Finnish court, testified that Simon Ekpa has never held any position in IPOB or ESN. Ekpa himself admitted under oath that he is merely a content creator and even disowned IPOB,” the group stated.
IPOB reiterated its non-violent stance and condemned all forms of terrorism or armed struggle carried out in its name. The movement also expressed concern that Ekpa’s conviction is being deliberately misrepresented to sabotage the ongoing legal efforts to secure the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group claimed that the Nigerian government was using Ekpa’s case as a smokescreen to delay a ruling in Kanu’s no-case submission, now postponed until October 10, 2025.
“This is not justice; it is judicial hostage-taking — a weaponisation of the courts to sustain persecution,” IPOB said.
The group also alleged that Ekpa created and operates his own unauthorised entities, including the so-called “Biafra Government in Exile,” “Biafra Liberation Army (BLA),” and “Biafra Defence Force (BDF),” all of which IPOB has publicly denounced.
IPOB called on the international community, particularly the European Union, Finland, the United States, and the United Kingdom, to ensure that Kanu’s trial is not influenced by false associations with Ekpa.
“The Finnish court exonerated IPOB from any link with Ekpa. We urge Finland to issue a clear statement to stop this malicious misrepresentation,” it added.