After Simon Ekpa’s six-year jail sentence in Finland, IPOB insists he was never a member, condemns terrorism, and accuses Nigeria of using the case to stall Nnamdi Kanu’s trial
IPOB Disowns Simon Ekpa After Finnish Terrorism Conviction, Warns Against “Judicial Hostage-Taking” in Kanu’s Trial
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has firmly distanced itself from Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa following his sentencing to six years in prison for terrorism-related offences.
In a statement released Monday by its Media and Publicity Secretary, IPOB stressed that Ekpa has never been part of the organisation or its security wing, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
“The record is clear. IPOB, under oath in a Finnish court, testified that Simon Ekpa has never held any position in IPOB or ESN. Ekpa himself admitted under oath that he is merely a content creator and even disowned IPOB,” the group stated.
The pro-Biafra movement reiterated its non-violent stance, condemning all acts of terrorism or armed struggle carried out in its name. It also expressed concern that Ekpa’s conviction is being misrepresented to undermine ongoing legal efforts to free its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
According to IPOB, the Nigerian government is using Ekpa’s case as a smokescreen to delay judgment on Kanu’s no-case submission, now adjourned to October 10, 2025.
“This is not justice; it is judicial hostage-taking — a weaponisation of the courts to sustain persecution,” IPOB declared.
The group further alleged that Ekpa had set up and operated his own unauthorised entities, including the so-called “Biafra Government in Exile,” “Biafra Liberation Army (BLA),” and “Biafra Defence Force (BDF),” all of which IPOB has consistently denounced.
Calling on the international community to intervene, IPOB urged the European Union, Finland, the United States, and the United Kingdom to ensure that Kanu’s trial is not tainted by false associations with Ekpa.
“The Finnish court exonerated IPOB from any link with Ekpa. We urge Finland to issue a clear statement to stop this malicious misrepresentation,” it added. Read More
