The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has formally distanced itself from Finland-based separatist agitator Mazi Simon Ekpa, asserting that he has never been a member of the movement.
In response to Ekpa’s recent sentencing in Finland for terrorism-related activities, IPOB warned that linking him to the group is 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 said in a statement released by its Media and Publicity Secretary.
IPOB emphasized that it remains a nonviolent organization, registered under international law, and committed to lawful self-determination. The statement added that Ekpa had created parallel groups and initiatives that are not recognized by IPOB.
The group also highlighted the ongoing trial of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in Nigeria, urging that his case be handled fairly and in accordance 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 said, calling 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 remain uninfluenced by unrelated cases.
