Byline: IDNN Security Desk
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from Simon Ekpa following his conviction in Finland, declaring that the self-styled agitator never represented its ideology or mission.
In a statement issued by IPOB’s spokesperson Emma Powerful, the group accused Ekpa of hijacking the Biafra cause and turning it into a violent and self-serving enterprise.
“We wish to clarify once again that Simon Ekpa is not and has never been part of IPOB. His activities are not aligned with the philosophy of our movement. His conviction abroad only validates what we have said all along,” the statement read.
Ekpa, a lawyer and social media activist, was recently convicted by a Finnish court on charges linked to incitement and financial impropriety. His online directives had been blamed for fueling violence in parts of Nigeria’s South-East, including sit-at-home orders that disrupted economic activity.
IPOB stressed that its struggle for Biafra self-determination is rooted in peaceful agitation and lawful advocacy, not coercion or violence.
“Our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, remains in detention but has always maintained that the Biafra struggle is not about killings or criminality. Ekpa represents himself, not IPOB,” Powerful added.
Security experts note that Ekpa’s conviction may weaken the shadow networks financing violent disruptions in the South-East, though it is unlikely to end the insecurity challenges outright.
The development underscores a growing split between IPOB’s mainstream leadership and factions accused of radicalising the struggle. Analysts warn the Nigerian government will likely leverage the conviction to increase pressure on IPOB supporters at home.
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