The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated that Finland-based separatist agitator, Mazi Simon Ekpa, has never been a member of the group.
The clarification follows Ekpa’s recent sentencing in Finland on terrorism-related charges. IPOB described attempts to associate him with the movement as “misleading.”
In a statement issued by its Media and Publicity Secretary, the group noted that the matter of Ekpa’s membership had already been addressed in 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 stressed that it remains a non-violent movement, registered under international law and committed to lawful self-determination.
It accused Ekpa of creating parallel groups and initiatives that are not recognised by IPOB.
The statement further highlighted the ongoing trial of IPOB leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, in Nigeria, urging that his case be handled fairly and in accordance with international standards.
It 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,” the group added.