The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has publicly distanced itself from the self-styled “Biafra Government in Exile” spearheaded by Finland-based agitator Simon Ekpa, calling it an illegitimate and criminal enterprise.
In a strongly worded statement released in Abuja on Thursday by IPOB’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, the group reaffirmed its loyalty to the ideology of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, and denounced Ekpa as a “coward,” “content creator,” and “certified fraudster” with no mandate from the Biafran people.
“Let it be known to all that IPOB has nothing to do with the so-called ‘Biafra Government in Exile’. We are not part of that criminal syndicate. We do not endorse or recognize it,” the statement read.
IPOB criticized the attempt to equate Ekpa’s actions with those of Nnamdi Kanu, who the group says has endured torture, solitary confinement, and unlawful detention for the Biafran cause.
The group accused Ekpa—currently facing terrorism charges in Finland—of violating key directives laid down by Kanu, including:
Not declaring a government in exile
Not forming an armed group
Not printing a Biafran currency, passport, or ID
Not extorting Biafrans in the name of freedom
“Biafra is not a fantasy. It is not a YouTube show,” IPOB stated, taking aim at Ekpa for allegedly running his “government” from a barbing salon in Helsinki without the consent of the Biafran people.
The group added that the Kenyan High Court had already declared Kanu’s abduction unconstitutional, further proving the legitimacy of its movement.
IPOB reiterated that it does not engage in violence, extortion, or racketeering, and warned the public against associating its name with criminal elements claiming to represent Biafra.
“Biafra is not a hustle. Biafra is not for cowards. Biafra is not content for clicks.”
As tensions within the Biafran movement escalate, IPOB’s statement underscores a deepening rift between Nnamdi Kanu’s loyalists and splinter groups claiming to fight for Biafra from abroad.
