Ekpa is never a registered member of our group, IPOB says

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially announced that Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), is never a registered member, following his arrest in Finland for terror-related activities alongside four others.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the Finnish Police confirmed the arrest of Ekpa on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, while four other individuals were apprehended for allegedly financing a terrorist crime.

In a recent statement, IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, made serious allegations against Ekpa, accusing him of recruiting violent criminals to destabilize the South East Region.

IPOB also disowned Ekpa, emphasizing that he has never been a registered member of the organization.

“Contrary to the BBC’s misinformation, Simon Ekpa has never been a member or leader of the IPOB,” Powerful stated.

“The IPOB maintains family units in Finland, but Simon Ekpa is not a registered member of any IPOB unit in Finland or worldwide.”

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu founded the IPOB as a peaceful organization, seeking Biafra independence through a United Nations-supervised referendum.”

“IPOB is a peaceful movement that’s been fighting for self-determination for 20 years without ever resorting to violence.

“Throughout its existence, IPOB has faced numerous provocations from various Nigerian governments.

“However, the organization has consistently demonstrated its commitment to peaceful means, refusing to engage in violence despite these provocations.”

“Regrettably, the passion of some innocent Biafrans for the restoration of their nation’s sovereignty led them to mistakenly believe that Simon Ekpa was genuinely sympathetic to their cause. However, this was not the case, as Ekpa’s true intentions were ultimately revealed.”

“Sadly, some Biafrans had to learn the hard way that Simon Ekpa was actually working against them, trying to destroy the peaceful IPOB movement.

“Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the prime minister of the BGIE, hired violent thugs to cause chaos in the South East Region in 2021, and even formed a radical group called the Biafra Liberation Army.

Powerful alleged that Ekpa’s BRGIE group and the Nigerian Army were responsible for numerous human rights abuses, including kidnappings, rapes, forced disappearances, killings, and arson attacks on homes in the South Eastern region.

History of IPOB

Biafra was a short-lived republic that existed from 1967 to 1970 and was led by Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

The Biafran War between 1967 and 1970 resulted in the deaths of over 1 million people, mostly from starvation.

IPOB emerged in 2014 and was led by Nnamdi Kanu, with the goal of reviving the Biafran independence movement.

Key Figures in IPOB

IPOB is led by Nnamdi Kanu with Uche Mefor being the Deputy Leader and Emma Powerful being the Spokesperson.

Objectives of IPOB

IPOB aims to get its independence from Nigeria and protects Igbo interests and cultures.

Methods

IPOB carries out its movement through non-violent protests and demonstrations, boycotts and sit-at-home orders, Radio Biafra broadcasts (online and FM), and social media campaigns.

Controversies

The group has been accused of violence and terrorism, clashes with Nigerian security forces, and has faced international criticism for alleged human rights abuses.

Supports

IPOB is supported by Igbo people in Nigeria’s Southeast region, Igbo diaspora communities, and sympathy from certain international organizations and human rights groups.

Challenges

The movement is facing challenges like Nigerian government opposition, internal divisions and factionalism, economic and logistical constraints and international pressure and scrutiny.

Recent developments

The group leader, Nnamdi Kanu got arrested and faced trial between 2015 to 2017 and in 2021 till present.

The movement was reclassified as a terrorist organization by Nigeria in 2021.

It has continued to have protests and clashes with security forces.

The international organisation has called for dialogue and peaceful resolution.

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