The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has distanced itself from Finland-based separatist agitator, Mazi Simon Ekpa, insisting that he has never been a member of the movement.
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, IPOB described any attempt to associate Ekpa with the group as misleading. The clarification followed Ekpa’s recent sentencing in Finland for terrorism-related activities.
“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, under oath, described himself merely as a content creator and admitted he disowned IPOB,” the statement read.
The group emphasized that IPOB remains a nonviolent organization, registered under international law and committed to lawful self-determination. It noted that Ekpa had created parallel groups and initiatives not recognized by IPOB.
IPOB further stressed that its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is still facing trial in Nigeria and urged that his case be treated fairly and in line with international standards.
The group also called on the international community, including the European Union, Finland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Nations, to ensure that judicial processes concerning Kanu are not influenced by unrelated cases.
“The Finnish court has already clarified that IPOB is not linked to Simon Ekpa, and we expect that this should not be misrepresented,” IPOB added.
