The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from Simon Ekpa following his conviction in Finland for terrorism-related crimes.
In a statement on Monday, IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, said Ekpa had never been a member of the organisation or its armed wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN). “The Finnish court confirmed under oath that Simon Ekpa was never part of IPOB,” the statement read.
The group accused Ekpa of creating parallel groups such as the “Biafra Government in Exile” and “Biafra Liberation Army,” which IPOB insists have no connection to its activities. It warned against attempts to link the conviction to IPOB’s ongoing legal struggles.
IPOB’s lawyer, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, also welcomed the ruling, calling it a warning against fraud and exploitation disguised as self-determination. “His reckless declarations misled vulnerable followers and tarnished IPOB’s image,” Ejiofor said, accusing Ekpa of defrauding supporters with false promises of imminent independence.
The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders also reacted, urging residents of the region to embrace peace. Its President-General, Goodluck Ibem, said the conviction should be “an opportunity to rebuild unity, not fuel further division.”
The group called on young people to reject violence and focus on dialogue and development in the South-East.
Ejiofor added that Ekpa’s trial showed that “no legitimate struggle can be built on lies, fraud, and violence,” stressing that the scars left by his actions would take years to heal.
