IPOB has denied any affiliation with Simon Ekpa, emphasizing that he is neither a member nor a leader of the movement. The group condemned Ekpa for allegedly forming a violent faction, the Biafra Liberation Army, and reaffirmed its commitment to achieving Biafra’s independence through peaceful means.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a statement distancing itself from Simon Ekpa, following his recent arrest in Finland. According to IPOB's spokesperson, Emma Powerful, Ekpa has never been a member or leader of the group, and his actions are not aligned with their principles. IPOB condemned Ekpa’s alleged involvement in the formation of a violent faction, the Biafra Liberation Army, which the group claims undermines their peaceful stance.
Ekpa, who has previously declared himself the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), was arrested by Finnish authorities on charges related to inciting terrorism. In addition, four other individuals allegedly linked to financing terrorist activities were also apprehended.
IPOB reiterated its position as a non-violent movement, focusing on Biafra’s independence through a United Nations-supervised referendum. The group refuted reports, particularly from the BBC, suggesting that Ekpa held a leadership role within IPOB, clarifying that he was not affiliated with any IPOB unit, either in Finland or elsewhere.
The statement emphasized that while some Biafrans may have been misled by Ekpa’s rhetoric, his actions were harmful to the peaceful movement for Biafra’s self-determination. IPOB remains committed to a peaceful resolution of the Biafra question and rejects any involvement in violent activities.
This clarification comes amidst ongoing political tensions and efforts to address Biafra's quest for independence through international legal and diplomatic means.
