Simon Ekpa’s Reign Of Terror: Alleged Ties To Unknown Gunmen And Bloodshed In Southeast

Simon Ekpa’s Reign Of Terror: Alleged Ties To Unknown Gunmen And Bloodshed In Southeast

The recent arrest of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE), by Finnish authorities has reignited controversy over his role in the Biafra secession movement.….READ MORE

Born on March 21, 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Ekpa has become a deeply polarizing figure in the ongoing struggle for Biafra’s independence. His activities have drawn sharp criticism from various groups, including the Nigerian government, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), and civil society organizations.

Ekpa faces serious allegations of inciting violence in Nigeria’s southeast. His faction has been accused of financing and coordinating attacks by unknown gunmen and armed groups, fueling widespread unrest in Igboland. According to reports, IPOB, the group under which Ekpa initially gained prominence, has distanced itself from him, accusing him of manipulating followers, engaging in cult-like practices, and mismanaging funds meant for the organization.

The Nigerian government has also linked Ekpa to terrorism, claiming that he has financed violent activities and promoted secessionist violence in the region. Authorities allege that he has been instrumental in encouraging attacks attributed to unknown gunmen, further destabilizing the area.

In 2023, following Ekpa’s calls for sit-at-home orders and the ensuing violence in the southeast, IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu wrote a letter from detention, instructing Ekpa to cease issuing such orders. Kanu demanded that Ekpa publicly acknowledge receipt of the directive, urging him to stop antagonizing political leaders and to cancel any future sit-at-home calls.

A copy of Kanu’s handwritten letter was shared on Twitter by Aloy Ejimakor, Kanu’s special counsel. The letter reads: “Simon (Ekpa), this is a direct order from me. I hereby instruct you to desist from calling for any sit-at-home henceforth… I am ordering you to make a public announcement that you have received a direct order from me to cancel any pending or future sit-at-home order.”