Allegations against Simon Ekpa: The controversial ‘biafra prime minister’
The recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), by Finnish authorities has reignited debate over his controversial role in the Biafra secessionist movement.
Born on March 21, 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Ekpa has become a divisive figure in the ongoing struggle for Biafra’s independence.
His actions have drawn criticism from the Nigerian government, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and civil society groups.
According to Vanguard, Ekpa faces allegations of inciting violence in Nigeria’s southeast region. His faction is accused of funding and coordinating attacks carried out by unknown gunmen and armed groups, resulting in widespread unrest across Igboland.
The IPOB, under whose platform Ekpa initially gained prominence, has since disassociated itself from him. The group has accused him of coercing followers, engaging in cult-like behavior, and misappropriating funds meant for its activities.
The Nigerian government has also linked Ekpa to terrorism, alleging his involvement in financing and promoting violent activities tied to the secessionist agenda in the southeast. Officials claim he has played a significant role in encouraging attacks by unknown gunmen, exacerbating instability in the region.
In 2023, following a surge in violence and Ekpa’s controversial sit-at-home orders, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu wrote a letter from detention urging Ekpa to cease issuing such directives. Kanu instructed Ekpa to publicly acknowledge receipt of the order.
Kanu’s special counsel, Aloy Ejimakor, later shared copies of the handwritten letter on his verified Twitter account, emphasizing Kanu’s disapproval of Ekpa’s actions.
The letter read: “Simon (Ekpa), this is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling for any sit-at-home henceforth.
“Equally refrain from antagonising governors or persons in political positions because you are not in a position to know what they are doing on my behalf.
“I am ordering you to make a public announcement to the effect that you are in receipt of a direct order from me to cancel any pending or future sit-at-home order at the moment.
“I embarked on this movement to liberate our people, not to enslave them. I despise and will despise any person or entity that wishes to inflict unnecessary hardship on our people.
“I have authorised Aloy (Ejimakor) to issue a press statement if you fail to make this announcement on your platform.”
But a defiant Ekpa dismissed the letter, describing it as the handiwork of ‘’Islamic SSS.’’
“As the prime minister of Biafra under the leadership of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, I call on all Biafrans to disregard the fake letter coming from the SSS. We can’t take any order from the Islamic SSS and that is final,” Ekpa said.
