The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has firmly disassociated itself from Finland-based agitator, Simon Ekpa, following his conviction and six-year jail term for terrorism-related offences in Europe.
In a statement made available on Monday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, IPOB stressed that Ekpa has never been a member of the pro-Biafra movement or its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The statement reads in part, “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 restated its commitment to non-violence, condemning every form of terrorism or armed struggle allegedly carried out in its name.
IPOB further expressed worry that Ekpa’s conviction was being deliberately twisted to undermine the legal battle for the release of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to IPOB, the Nigerian government has been using Ekpa’s trial as a cover-up to frustrate Kanu’s ongoing case, particularly the no-case submission whose ruling has now been shifted to October 10, 2025.
“This is not justice; it is judicial hostage-taking — a weaponisation of the courts to sustain persecution,” the group declared.
The statement also accused Ekpa of setting up parallel organisations without IPOB’s consent, including the so-called “Biafra Government in Exile,” “Biafra Liberation Army (BLA),” and “Biafra Defence Force (BDF),” all of which IPOB has denounced as illegitimate.
Calling on global powers to intervene, IPOB appealed to the European Union, Finland, the United States, and the United Kingdom to ensure that Kanu’s trial is not coloured 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,” the group added.
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