The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has formally distanced itself from Simon Ekpa, following his conviction in Finland on terrorism-related charges.
In a statement released on Monday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful made it clear that Ekpa has never been affiliated with the group or its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.
He emphasized that IPOB considers Ekpa’s actions and self-proclaimed movements entirely separate from its own agenda.
“Simon Ekpa has never held any official role in IPOB or the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
He is behind his own creations like the so-called ‘Biafra Government in Exile’ and ‘Biafra Liberation Army,’ both of which we have consistently rejected,” the statement read.
The group accused the Nigerian government of attempting to exploit Ekpa’s case to manipulate the ongoing legal process against Nnamdi Kanu.
It condemned the delay in ruling on Kanu’s no-case submission, now scheduled for October 10, 2025, and described the situation as a form of “judicial hostage-taking.”
IPOB also called on the international community including the European Union, Finland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Nations to take note and intervene.
The group reiterated its commitment to peaceful advocacy for self-determination under international law.
This comes after a Finnish court in Päijät-Häme sentenced Simon Ekpa to six years in prison.
He was found guilty of several offences, including involvement in a terrorist organisation, incitement to terrorism, aggravated tax fraud, and breaches of legal practice regulations.
The court has ordered that Ekpa remain in custody.
