IPOB Reacts After Finland Convicts Simon Ekpa: ‘Record Is Clear

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has officially distanced itself from Finland-based separatist activist Simon Ekpa, emphasizing that he has never been a member of the pro-Biafra movement.

Official court documents obtained by BBC News Pidgin on Monday revealed that the 40-year-old former municipal politician from Lahti was convicted on multiple charges, including participating in the activities of a terrorist organization, incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. The court has ordered that Ekpa remain in custody.

According to the judgment, between August 2021 and November 2024, Ekpa attempted to promote the independence of the so-called Biafra region in southeastern Nigeria through illegal means.

Reacting to the ruling, IPOB described attempts to link Ekpa to the organisation as “misleading and false.” In a statement signed by its Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, the group noted that Ekpa’s non-membership had already been clarified in a Finnish court.

“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 organisation also accused Ekpa of creating “parallel groups and initiatives” with no connection to IPOB’s recognised structure.

IPOB reaffirmed its commitment to lawful and nonviolent advocacy, stating that it pursues self-determination through peaceful means. It also highlighted that its detained leader, Nnamdi Kanu, is currently facing trial in Nigeria, and urged that his case not be influenced by unrelated issues involving Ekpa.

The movement appealed to international stakeholders—including the European Union, United Nations, United States, United Kingdom, and Finnish government—to ensure that Kanu’s trial is conducted fairly and transparently.

“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 concluded.