The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have publicly distanced themselves from Simon Ekpa, who claims to be the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).
This statement follows Ekpa's recent arrest in Finland, where he was taken into custody alongside four others on charges related to terrorism.
The Finnish Central Criminal Police stated that he is suspected of promoting actions that have led to violence against civilians and government officials in southeastern Nigeria, primarily through social media platforms.
Detective Chief Inspector Otto Hiltunen emphasized that these activities have raised serious concerns about Ekpa's role in escalating tensions in the region.
In response to his arrest, IPOB spokesman Emma Powerful condemned Ekpa, accusing him of recruiting violent criminals to undermine the stability of the southeast.
Powerful clarified that Ekpa has never been a registered member of IPOB and criticized him for leading a faction that has engaged in violent acts under the guise of Biafran independence.
IPOB reiterated its commitment to a peaceful movement for self-determination, emphasizing that it has consistently advocated for non-violent means to achieve its goals.
The organization expressed disappointment that some individuals mistakenly believed Ekpa was genuinely supportive of the Biafran cause, only to discover his alleged role as a destructive agent within the movement.
The group also called on international media and authorities to recognize that Ekpa's actions do not represent IPOB's values. They urged for a clear distinction between Ekpa's violent rhetoric and IPOB's peaceful approach to advocating for Biafran independence.
