IPOB denounces Simon Ekpa, rejects links to convicted “Biafra” agitator

Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has firmly distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed leader recently convicted in Finland, emphasizing that he holds no affiliation with the group or its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

In a statement released on Monday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful declared, “Simon Ekpa has never held any position in IPOB or the Eastern Security Network (ESN).

His self-styled entities, such as the so-called ‘Biafra Government in Exile’ and ‘Biafra Liberation Army,’ have been consistently disavowed by IPOB.”

The group accused Nigerian authorities of exploiting Ekpa’s conviction to undermine Kanu’s ongoing trial, particularly ahead of a critical no-case submission ruling set for October 10, 2025.

Powerful described the delayed judgment as “a form of judicial hostage-taking orchestrated to tarnish IPOB’s image.”

Ekpa was sentenced to six years in prison by the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Monday for terrorism-related offenses, including participation in a terrorist organization, incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent, aggravated tax fraud, and breaches of the Lawyers Act.