IPOB reacts to Simon Ekpa’s arrest in Finland
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from Simon Ekpa following his arrest in Finland.
The self-declared prime minister of the Biafra Government In Exile (BRIGE) was arrested alongside four others by the Finnish authorities over terrorism related activities.
The Finnish police said they suspect that Mr Ekpa “has contributed to violence and crimes against civilians in South-eastern Nigeria.”
Reacting to the arrest, IPOB revealed that that it has no association with Ekpa or his faction, known as Autopilot.
IPOB reiterated that Ekpa’s actions do not align with its mission and dismissed any claims of his involvement with its security arm, the Eastern Security Network (ESN).
The group maintained that its primary concern remains the unconditional release of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, who has been detained in Nigeria despite multiple court rulings in his favour.
The group urged authorities to stop linking it with Ekpa’s activities, stating that its focus is solely on peaceful advocacy for self-determination.
The separatist organization said that it had consistently warned against associating Ekpa with IPOB, asserting that his directives, including sit-at-home orders, were not endorsed by the group.
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.”
