The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), following his recent arrest in Finland.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, the group categorically stated that Ekpa was never a member of IPOB and that his violent actions and criminal activities in the South-East region were contrary to the group’s peaceful ideology.
Ekpa, a Finland-based activist, was arrested by Finnish police on Thursday, suspected of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
According to Finnish authorities, Ekpa is believed to have used his social media platforms to promote violence in the South-East of Nigeria, leading to civilian casualties and other criminal activities. Four other individuals were arrested on charges of financing these activities.
In its statement, IPOB vehemently rejected any association with Ekpa, who has been linked to the formation of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), a group responsible for violent acts across the region.
The group condemned Ekpa’s recruitment of criminals, accusing him of hijacking the Biafran cause to serve personal and destructive agendas.
“Simon Ekpa has never been a member of the global IPOB family. He has used his self-appointed position to create chaos and violence under the guise of Biafra agitation,” IPOB’s statement read.
IPOB further accused both the Nigerian and Finnish governments of shielding Ekpa from prosecution.
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The statement also criticized international media, particularly the BBC, for labeling Ekpa as an IPOB leader. “No one should link Simon Ekpa and his criminal group to IPOB,” the group declared.
The IPOB has urged its supporters and the global community to disregard any associations between Ekpa and the movement, asserting that the group continues to pursue its goals of Biafran self-determination without resorting to violence.
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