SIMON EKPA Allegedly Killed 7 Igbos, One Pregnant Woman, Must Face Murder Trial- IPOB Spits Fire
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has reiterated its demand for the prosecution of Simon Ekpa over the killing of seven people, including a pregnant woman, who disobeyed his sit- at- home directive in July 2023.
The separatist leader, who styles himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), has been accused of orchestrating violent acts in southeastern Nigeria to enforce compliance with his orders.
In a statement shared on its official X account, IPOB asserted that Ekpa admitted to the killings, describing his methods as coercive and harmful to the cause of Biafra. ” When unable to convince people through reasoning, Ekpa resorts to violence to instill fear, ” the group alleged. They further accused him of being a tool for certain Nigerian politicians seeking to destabilize the South- East region.
IPOB emphasized that true advocates for freedom would not harm their own people, adding that Ekpa’ s leadership and tactics have been categorically rejected by the Biafran populace. The group called on international authorities to ensure his prosecution without delay, arguing that civil disobedience must be a voluntary act of resistance, not one imposed under duress.
The controversy around Ekpa deepened following his recent detention by Finnish authorities on charges of terrorism and incitement to violence. Finnish police allege that Ekpa used social media platforms to incite attacks and promote separatist propaganda in Nigeria. This is not his first brush with the law in Finland, as he had previously been detained in February 2023 for similar accusations but was later released after questioning.
In Nigeria, Ekpa’ s directives have caused significant unrest. His call for a sit- at- home order in July led to attacks on those who defied the mandate, further straining peace in the region. IPOB distanced itself from these violent actions, maintaining that its vision of Biafra’ s independence relies on nonviolent and democratic methods.
Observers have noted that Ekpa’ s influence, largely wielded through online platforms, has significantly disrupted normalcy in the South- East. His leadership claims remain a source of division among pro- Biafra factions, with IPOB under Nnamdi Kanu repeatedly disowning him.
As Finnish authorities continue to investigate Ekpa’ s activities, IPOB’ s demand for justice reflects broader concerns about the impact of his violent rhetoric on the Biafra cause and the safety of the southeastern Nigerian community.
