IPOB Responds to Simon Ekpa's Arrest, Clarifies He Was Never a Member

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has responded to the arrest of Simon Ekpa, who had falsely claimed affiliation with the group.

IPOB, a movement founded by Nnamdi Kanu to peacefully advocate for Biafra's independence through a United Nations-supervised referendum, has reiterated its commitment to non-violence.

Emma Powerful, the spokesperson for IPOB, emphasized that Simon Ekpa was never a member of their organization. "Simon Ekpa has never been a member of the global IPOB family movement," he stated, clarifying misinformation suggesting otherwise.

Powerful accused Ekpa of recruiting violent criminals to destabilize Nigeria's South East region since 2021, under the guise of leading the Biafra Government in Exile (BGIE).

The BGIE, led by Ekpa, is said to have formed the militant Biafra Liberation Army, which has no connection to IPOB.

"He recruited his criminal gangs who have been terrorizing the Biafran territory since 2021," Powerful added, distancing IPOB from Ekpa's activities.

Despite provocations, IPOB maintains its peaceful stance.

"Even though the various murderous government regimes in Nigeria have provoked us, we have remained resolutely peaceful," Powerful affirmed. He urged IPOB members and supporters to remain calm and focused on their core objective: the restoration of Biafra's sovereignty through peaceful means.