IPOB denies links to Simon Ekpa following arrest in Finland

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has disassociated itself from Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRIGE), following his arrest by Finnish authorities over alleged terrorism-related activities.

Finnish police stated that Ekpa is suspected of contributing to violence and crimes against civilians in Nigeria’s South-East region.

In its reaction, IPOB emphasized that it has no connection with Ekpa or his faction, known as Autopilot, clarifying that his actions do not reflect the group’s principles or mission.

The group reiterated that its main focus remains the peaceful advocacy for self-determination and the unconditional release of its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

IPOB also denied any association between Ekpa and its security outfit, the Eastern Security Network (ESN), noting that his directives, such as the controversial sit-at-home orders, were never sanctioned by the organization.

IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful said: “We are not interested in his arrest. All we want is for the release of our leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, who has not committed any offence and who has been freed by the law courts. That is our concern.

“We have reiterated on several occasions that the Ekpa had no relationship with the IPOB from the formation to date and he had nothing in common with the Biafra struggle.

“For a long time, IPOB has maintained that there is nothing like autopilot in IPOB. More so, the criminal gang leader in Finland has no relationship with ESN from the formation of ESN to date or with IPOB. The authorities should stop linking IPOB with Ekpa and his group and IPOB is not interested in his arrest or whatever.

“All we want is for the Nigerian government to release our leader who has been detained for no known crime other than fighting for the liberation of his people.”

Spokesman of IPOB’s Political Wing, Nwachukwu Emereonye, called for the immediate extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria to face the consequences of his actions.

He said, “We in IPOB Political Wing welcome the arrest of Simon Ekpa. His actions are unbecoming. Scores of people have been killed and properties worth billions of Naira destroyed.

“He should be handed over the Nigerian government for immediate prosecution.”