The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has announced the removal of Simon Ekpa as its leader following his detention in Finland, appointing Ogechukwu Nkere as his replacement.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday, which confirmed that Nkere emerged as the new Prime Minister of BRGIE after a unanimous decision by the group’s cabinet on January 14, 2026.
According to the statement, Ekpa was formally relieved of his position by the cabinet, paving the way for Nkere’s emergence as Prime Minister.
“Ogechukwu Nkere has been unanimously elected by the cabinet of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) to serve as Prime Minister, succeeding Simon Ekpa Njoku, who was relieved of his position,” the statement said.
Before his confirmation, Nkere had been serving as Acting Prime Minister since December 2024, a role he assumed following Ekpa’s detention in Finland.
He also previously served as the organisation’s finance minister and was for several years BRGIE’s representative in Washington, DC.
The statement noted that during his time in the United States, Nkere engaged extensively with U.S government officials and policymakers, working alongside BRGIE lobbyists.
It added that his engagements included meetings with senior political figures such as Senator Ted Cruz and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
BRGIE described Nkere’s election as a move aimed at ensuring continuity in leadership and strengthening its international engagements amid ongoing legal challenges facing its former leader.
DAILY GAZETTE recall that Simon Ekpa, a prominent Biafran separatist figure, was sentenced in Finland on September 1, 2025.
