The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from Simon Ekpa following his conviction in Finland, insisting he is neither a member of the group nor does he represent its interests.
In a statement issued yesterday by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, IPOB described Ekpa as “an impostor sponsored by the enemies of Biafra” whose actions had been responsible for violence and hardship in the South-East.
Powerful said IPOB formally disowned Ekpa during his trial in Finland, where the group’s representatives gave testimony to confirm that he was never part of IPOB.
“We made it clear before the Finnish authorities and in court that Simon Ekpa is not and has never been a member of IPOB,” the statement read. “His activities are against everything IPOB stands for. He has been used to blackmail our movement and to inflict pain on our people.”
The group further stressed that Ekpa’s call for violent sit-at-home orders was rejected by IPOB, noting that it had always championed peaceful agitation for self-determination.
IPOB also urged the public and the international community not to associate Ekpa’s actions with the movement, reiterating that its only leader remains Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently in detention in Nigeria.
