He Is Not Our Member’: IPOB Distances Itself From Jailed Simon Ekpa.
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has issued a forceful and definitive statement distancing itself from the recently convicted Finland-based agitator, Simon Ekpa, declaring that he has “never been a member” of the secessionist movement.
The statement, released by the group’s Media and Publicity Secretary, comes directly in response to Ekpa’s sentencing to six years in prison by a Finnish court on terrorism-related charges. IPOB expressed concern that the widespread media coverage of the case has created a misleading association between Ekpa’s actions and the group itself.
To firmly establish this separation, IPOB pointed to sworn testimonies given during the Finnish trial. “The record is clear. IPOB, under oath in a Finnish court, testified that Simon Ekpa has never held any position in IPOB or ESN (Eastern Security Network). Ekpa himself, under oath, described himself merely as a content creator and admitted he disowned IPOB,” the group stated.
This disavowal is a significant move to protect the group’s stated identity. IPOB emphasized its commitment to being a “nonviolent organization” that is “registered under international law” and pursues its goal of self-determination for the Igbo people through lawful means. The statement accused Ekpa of creating “parallel groups and initiatives” that operate without IPOB’s recognition or endorsement.
The group swiftly pivoted from the Ekpa case to the situation of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who is currently on trial in Nigeria. IPOB urged the international community—specifically naming the European Union, Finland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Nations—to ensure that Kanu’s judicial process is handled fairly and remains “uninfluenced by unrelated cases.”
By stating, “The Finnish court has already clarified that IPOB is not linked to Simon Ekpa,” the group seeks to preempt any potential guilt by association that could impact Kanu’s legal proceedings or the perception of IPOB on the global stage. The message is clear: Simon Ekpa’s cross is his alone to bear, and IPOB will not share the burden of his convictions.
