The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have urged their members to stay focused on their mission to achieve an independent Biafran state and remain calm amidst the arrest of Simon Ekpa, who describes himself as the Prime Minister of Biafra in Exile.

In a strong condemnation of Ekpa’s actions, IPOB emphasized that every crime has its consequences.

Emma Powerful, the group’s spokesperson, clarified that Simon Ekpa is not, and has never been, a member of IPOB. He accused Ekpa of using violence to destabilize the South-East region since 2021.

In a detailed statement, Powerful said, “Simon Ekpa has no affiliation with the global IPOB family or its leadership.

Despite false narratives claiming otherwise, he has never been registered as a member in Finland or any other part of the world.”

Powerful reiterated that IPOB, under the leadership of Nnamdi Kanu, has consistently pursued a peaceful path toward achieving Biafra’s independence.

“Mazi Nnamdi Kanu founded IPOB as a non-violent movement dedicated to self-determination through a United Nations-supervised referendum.

Despite repeated provocations and violent crackdowns by the Nigerian government, we have remained steadfast in our peaceful approach for over two decades,” he explained.

Ekpa, however, has been accused of exploiting the Biafran cause for personal gain.

“Many innocent Biafrans, driven by their passion for the Biafran struggle, initially believed in Simon Ekpa’s rhetoric.

Unfortunately, they later realized he was a destructive force, funded to undermine IPOB’s efforts.

He has recruited violent criminals under the guise of fighting for Biafra and formed the so-called Biafra Liberation Army, which has carried out atrocities in the Eastern region,” Powerful added.

Ekpa, who leads the self-proclaimed Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE), has been linked to violent activities that have harmed civilians.

Powerful accused both the Nigerian and Finnish governments of protecting Ekpa from accountability for his alleged crimes. Despite this, IPOB expressed confidence that justice would prevail.

The statement ended with a call for unity and focus: “We urge all IPOB members, Biafrans, and supporters of our cause to remain calm.

Our objective remains the same—to restore Biafra’s sovereignty through peaceful means.

No amount of sabotage can deter us from this goal.”