The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has disowned Finland-based separatist agitator Mazi Simon Ekpa following his sentencing to six years in prison for terrorism-related activities.
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, IPOB emphasized that Ekpa is not a member of the group, warning that attempts to associate him with IPOB are misleading.
“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 group stated.
IPOB further stressed that it remains a nonviolent movement, registered under international law, and committed to lawful self-determination. The group accused Ekpa of creating parallel groups and initiatives that are not recognized by IPOB.
While distancing itself from Ekpa, IPOB also drew attention to the ongoing trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in Nigeria, urging authorities to ensure the case is handled fairly and in line with international standards.
“The Finnish court has already clarified that IPOB is not linked to Simon Ekpa, and we expect that this should not be misrepresented,” the statement added, calling on the European Union, Finland, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the United Nations to ensure judicial processes concerning Kanu remain independent of unrelated cases.
