Simon Ekpa, a well-known advocate and separatist for Biafra, has stated that the Igbo people are not engaging in criminal activities to secure the release of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ekpa, who is a lawyer based in Finland and serves as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, made this statement on Friday through his official Twitter account in response to Emma Powerful, the spokesperson of a faction within IPOB.
Previously, Powerful had presented conditions to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the security challenges in the southeastern region. In contrast, Ekpa emphasized that Kanu has no association with criminals in the southeast. He clarified that the actions of Biafrans in the region, such as peaceful civil disobedience and observing sit-at-home protests, are not intended to promote criminality.
Ekpa further reiterated the demand for Kanu’s release before July 30, 2023. He urged people to disregard individuals claiming to represent IPOB but engaging in criminal activities. According to Ekpa, the Biafran community’s objective is to advocate for Kanu’s release through nonviolent means rather than resorting to criminal acts.