Simon Ekpa

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Simon Ekpa
Simon Ekpa portrait, 2023.jpg
AI-upscaled image of Ekpa in 2023
Born (1985-03-21) 21 March 1985 (age 39)
Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, Nigeria
Citizenship Finnish
Occupations
  • Politician
  • businessman
Years active2012–present [1] (Detained by the Finnish Authorities as of 2025)
Organizations
  • Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE)
  • Biafra Defence Forces (BDF)
  • Biafra Liberation Army (BLA)
Known forBiafra restoration
SuccessorNgozi Ezeobika Orabueze (Deputy) [2]
Political party National Coalition Party
Movement Independence of Biafra
Opponent The Nigerian state
Awards Ambassador for Peace
Signature
The Signature of Simon Ekpa (Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic).svg

Ekpa Simon Njoku [3] (born 21 March 1985), generally known as Simon Ekpa, is a Finnish politician and Biafran political activist. [4] [5] In 2022, while in Finland, he declared the activation of the Biafra Government In Exile (BGIE), and in 2023 declared himself the leader (titled "Prime Minister") of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). [6] [7] [a] [11] [12]

Contents

Early life, education and career

Ekpa was born on 21 March 1985, in Ohaukwu, Ebonyi State, in the southeastern Nigeria. [13] [14] Ebonyi State had previously been part of Biafra, a partially recognized state that declared independence from Nigeria and existed from 1967 until 1970. [15]

He won the 100 meters silver medal for Nigeria at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships in Cameroon. [13] He left athletics because of a knee problem. [16] In September 2021, Ekpa denounced Nigeria and vowed to return the medal he won for the country at the 2003 African Junior Athletics Championships, [17] [18] and renounced his Nigerian citizenship the following year. In July 2024, he said he had returned the medals to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. [19]

Ekpa was the Chairman of the Igbo Union Finland from 2015 until 2019. [20] [21] He has also served as the Chairman of the Playground Board, in the City Lahti, a position he held between 2017 until 2021. [22]

Since 2007, he has lived with his family in Lahti, Finland. He learned Finnish, became a citizen and did military service [23] [9] in the Finnish military at the Häme Regiment in Hennala in 2013 as well as a reservist in the Finnish Army. [23] Ekpa joined the Finnish politics in 2012 and has been active since then. [22] He ran as a candidate in the 2017 Finnish municipal elections and was also a candidate in the 2022 Finnish county elections under the National Coalition Party of Finland. [24] [25] [10] As of 2023, he serves as a public transport officer for the Lahti region. [23] [26] Yle has referred to him as a businessman. [8] [27]

Since 2009, Ekpa has worked in the legal field, including as a legal advisor. However, Ekpa is not an attorney in Finland and does not represent his own clients in court. [28] Ekpa became familiar with the legal field while on internship at his ex-wife's law office. [29]

Ekpa has stated that he is an expert, a legal advisor, and has a Master of Law (LLM) degree from the Welsh Aberystwyth University, but upon inquiry by Yle, the university didn't give any information about the degree. [28] [14] Ekpa has no apparent lower or higher legal degree. [28]

Activism and separatism

Ekpa became active in the "Biafra independence movement" in 2019. He was noticed by the Nigerian media after he posted a video claiming that Nigerian soldiers had been killed by Boko Haram. According to a Nigerian rights attorney, the purpose was to "disillusion Nigerians especially soldiers to resign from the Army". [30]

In July 2021, Ekpa was announced the lead broadcaster for Radio Biafra, associated with the separatist organisation Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) after the arrest of its leader, Nnamdi Kanu. [31] [13] [32] However, Ekpa was not allowed to broadcast [33] [34] for violation of the rules of the organisation. [35] In 2022, IPOB accused Ekpa of illegal activities and stated that IPOB was a peaceful organization. [36] In July 2023, the Daily Post said that Ekpa led a faction of IPOB, as did Premium Times in May 2024. [37] [38] According to Ekpa, IPOB was dissolved in a vote, renamed "Autopilot", and he became its spokesman. In August 2022, Ekpa declared "full activation" of the Biafran Government in Exile. He said: "we also wish to officially announce an alliance and activation of Biafra Government In Exile (BGIE) with the IPOB-Autopilot." [16] [39] In April 2023, he announced that he had been appointed as the prime minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE). [40] Nigerian news media have variously referred to him as "prime minister" or "self-acclaimed prime minister" of the government-in-exile. [41] [42] [43] [44] Ekpa stated in 2023 that "Biafra Republic Government In-Exile is registered, approved and legal. Agent of Nigeria, take note!" [45] As of 2024, it has a main office in Maryland, US. [16] IPOB called the BRGIE "double agents sponsored by the Nigerian government to ridicule the IPOB movement". [46] Suomen Kuvalehti said in 2024 that "Be it as it may, Ekpa is now at least the prime minister by some." [16]

Zubairu Dada, Nigerian minister, said the same year that "When [Ekpa] gives instructions, destruction follows. They cause killing, maiming, fires, whatever." [16] [47] Nigerian general Christopher Gwabin Musa said "In the South-east, Simon Ekpa has become a menace to this country. The country must act on it diplomatically. [Ekpa] is having a freeway because [Finland] are encouraging him to do what he is doing. His utterances and actions are affecting what is happening in Nigeria." Ekpa said in 2024 that he is in daily contact with Kanu. [48]

Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB Nnamdi Kanu.png
Nnamdi Kanu, leader of IPOB

According to a report from Yle, Ekpa's activism started to gather mainstream attention in February 2023. The local Kokoomus party in Lahti stated that it had started an internal investigation of these claims. A representative of the association Igbo Union Finland said: "He should stop inciting hatred and provoking. Ekpa does not represent the Igbo people of Finland". The Nigerian government has also demanded Finland stop Ekpa's activities. [49] Yle interviews with residents of Enugu suggested extensive fear of Ekpa and compliance with his "sit at home" orders which involved the 2023 Nigerian elections. [50] In late February 2023 Yle reported Ekpa is being suspected of having raised funds in an illegal manner by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation. [51] As of early 2023, his speeches on Twitter had around 800,000 views. [10]

In December 2022, Ekpa declared a five-day sit at home civil disobedience campaign [52] in the southeast and parts of southern Nigeria [53] from 9 to 14 December 2022. [54] On 14 June 2023, Ekpa announced a week-long sit at home campaign from 3 to 10 July 2023, [55] which according to The Whistler recorded 70% compliance. [56] The sit-at-homes have been enforced by gunmen. [37] [57] Ekpa has continued Kanu's sit-at-home orders, to protest the imprisonment of Kanu. In July 2023, he threatened that oil exploitations in the Biafra region would be stopped if Kanu wasn't to be released. However, Ekpa exonerated Kanu from the activities of the Biafra agitations. He said Kanu wasn't responsible for the actions taken to free him. [58] [59] The head of ACLED's Nigerian branch criticizes 'Ekpa's faction' for attacking those not following this curfew. Ekpa denies violence against civilians, by stating "After the creation of the defensive forces, government forces no longer encroach on our area, because we have manpower all over, that protect". [16] [47]

In 2023, he declared that the 2023 Nigerian general election would not be held in the Biafra region that year. [10] [60] The Nigerian senate asked Finland to extradite Ekpa in July 2023. [61] In May 2024, BRGIE declared a three-day sit at home from 29 to 31 May. Ekpa said it was "necessary to enable Biafrans vote for the Liberation of Biafra". IPOB disagreed on the date, having earlier declared their own sit at home on 30 May. [62] [63] The conflicting messages caused confusion and fear of violence in the region. The police and military said that people should go about their lawful business. [64] [38]

In October 2023, Ekpa and cabinet members of BRGIE hosted a three-day convention in Helsinki, Finland, where a possible Biafran referendum was discussed with participants and attendants from Biafra. [65] [66] [67] In early February 2024, BRGIE announced the commencement of the Biafra Referendum and revealed the structure of the proposed independent state of Biafra. [68]

BRGIE has stated that it intends to issue a "declaration of Biafra independent state" in late 2024, [16] [69] and that this declaration will bring peace and stability to the West African region. [70] [71] Ekpa said mid-2024 that over 30 million votes had been recorded in an online voting "self-referendum" regarding the sovereignty of Biafra and as of July 2024, he said "over 49 million Biafrans have voted in the ongoing self-referendum". [72] [73] In June 2024, the Organisation of Emerging African States (OEAS), a group that counsels African separatists, said that "the BRGIE referendum further consolidated the self-determination pursuit of the people of Biafra amid decades of alleged marginalization by the Nigerian government." [74] [75] According to Ekpa, only BRGIE has the legitimate right to call for "Biafra's declaration". [76] In July 2024, Ekpa said the United States was to issue favorable statements for the Biafra declaration in the coming months. [77]

At the three-day convention he also announced the formation of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA), a militant group fighting for secession from Nigeria. [78] He had previously claimed to control the Eastern Security Network, IPOB's armed wing, [10] and said this group was renamed BLA. [16] BLA was suspected to have killed a police in Imo State in November 2023. [79] [80] According to Ekpa, it has a hundred thousand soldiers. [16] IPOB disassociated itself from the BLA. [81]

Yle had in February 2023 reported that estimates of the number of gunmen loyal to Ekpa vary greatly, from hundreds to tens of thousands. [10] In late 2023, Ekpa and Ambazonian activist Ayaba Cho Lucas announced a military pact between their respective organizations against the Cameroonian and Nigerian governments. [82] In June 2024, Ekpa signed a one-year agreement to be represented by the American lobbying firm Moran Global Strategies. [83]

In March 2024, the Nigerian Defence Headquarters (DHQ) declared Ekpa and more than 90 others "wanted" for "terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes." [84] [85] [86] [87] Ekpa responded that he had nothing to do with Nigeria, and declared other people "wanted" in his turn. [88] In May 2024, the African Court on Human and Peoples' Rights in Banjul, the judicial arm of the African Union (AU), acknowledged a petition by the BRGIE regarding Kanu and a declaration of the restoration of independent state of Biafra. [89]

In May 2024, Ekpa urged the Nigerian government to engage the Finnish government to mediate in the conflict between BLA and the Nigerian army. [61] In June 2024, a former director of the Nigerian State Security Service called for the extradition of Ekpa to Nigeria. He urged the Nigerian government to initiate negotiations with Finnish authorities to repatriate Ekpa. [90] Nigeria's Chief of Defence Staff Musa also reiterated call for the arrest and prosecution of Ekpa. He accused the Finnish government and the European union of shielding Ekpa, thereby preventing his arrest. [91] [92] [93]

On 30 July 2024, the Biafra Defence Forces killed four Nigerian police operatives. Ekpa classified them as "terrorists" and declared that they should be withdrawn from the Biafran region. [12] [94]

In August 2024, Simon Ekpa and the Biafra Republic Government in Exile ordered 30 days lockdown of the Nigerian government institutions in the South East region, from 28 August to 26 September, excluding private businesses. This action responds to the continued detention of Nnamdi Kanu and alleged killings of Christians and Biafrans. Ekpa demands Kanu's release and the withdrawal of Nigerian security forces from the region. [95] [96]

On 20 August 2024, Ekpa unveiled the map of a proposed 40 "United States of Biafra" and announced 2 December 2024 as the date for its official presentation and issuance of a declaration of independence. Declaration happened on 29 November. The Nigerian government, while reacting to the development through the Defence Headquarters (DHQ), stated that it is engaging with the European Union to extradite Ekpa from Finland. In response, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile says it is inviting the Nigerian government to the Biafra restoration declaration convention in Finland for possible dialogue. [97] [98] [99]

Award

On 25 May 2023, the Universal Peace Federation awarded Ekpa Ambassador for Peace at the African Day Celebration in Helsinki, Finland. [8]

Arrest

On 21 November 2024, Ekpa was detained by the Finnish National Bureau of Investigation, (NBI) on accusations of alleged terrorist activities in Nigeria. Finnish police said the accusations are under investigation and it involves international cooperation. It said, the Nigerian government was reached out to for their comments. [100] [101] The NBI also arrested four others over alleged terrorist offenses. [102] [103] On 6 January 2025, The Nation newspaper reported that two out of the four individuals arrested alongside Ekpa had been released. [104]

Ekpa was remanded into custody by the District Court of Päijät-Häme on suspicion of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. He is suspected of committing the crime between 23 August 2021, and 18 November 2024. According to the report, the Finnish Bureau of Investigation has frozen his assets, those of his accomplices, and the assets of companies associated with him. [105] This marks his second arrest in Finland; he was previously detained in 2023 on suspicion of illegal fundraising but was released shortly after. [106]

The Organization of Emerging African States (OEAS), while condemning Finland for the arrest in a statement, called for the release of Ekpa and Ayaba Cho. Ayaba, an Ambazonian independence movement leader, was arrested in September 2024 by Norwegian authorities for the same crime Ekpa is accused of. It accused Finland and Norway of partnering with Nigeria and Cameroon, respectively, to detain the duo. [107] [108] Ekpa is in alliance with Ayaba.

On 24 January 2025, President Bola Tinubu commended the Finnish authorities for the arrest. Meanwhile, the Finnish Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Sanna Selin, stated, "Simon Ekpa has been hindering bilateral relations. The cooperation between our two countries is going very well now, and the National Security Adviser has been providing all the evidence.” The statement was made as the Ambassador presented her letter of credence to Tinubu in Abuja. [109] [110]

Despite Ekpa's arrest, deputy Ngozi Orabueze declared that the sit-at-home initiative championed by Ekpa must continue. She expressed her commitment to ensuring Ekpa's release. In another statement on 25 December 2024, she announced recruitment into the Biafra Defense Forces. [111] [112] [113]

On 3 December 2024, hundreds of Biafrans, who consider him their Prime Minister, gathered in Lahti, Finland, to protest against the arrest. [114]

See also

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References

Notes

  1. ↑ BRGIE works for the total independence and reinstatement of Biafra, a short-lived state in West Africa, which existed from 1967 until 1970. [8] [9] [10]

Citations

  1. ↑ Staff, Daily Post (12 March 2024). "Simon Ekpa: Journey from track athlete to Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government in Exile". Daily Post Nigeria.
  2. ↑ https://saharareporters.com/2024/12/26/simon-ekpas-deputy-ngozi-orabueze-says-efforts-ongoing-ensure-separatists-release?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAR3hhgnOQvLBQp5PURXma7vSq9N9rkP3zooUwmUcMohc5VYT5rKgEKRhXFU_aem_pQpbmd_2D1KvnRnrSRgHcg
  3. ↑ Ekpa, Simon. "Simon Ekpa". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved 7 June 2024. I am Ekpa Simon Njoku
  4. ↑ "Nigeria asks Finland to clamp down on Lahti resident and Biafra separatist leader Simon Ekpa". Yle . 17 February 2023. Retrieved 31 December 2023.
  5. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (22 June 2024). "Biafra: US Justice Department recognises BRGIE - Ekpa". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  6. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (29 May 2024). "Stop using force, threats, engage Finland to mediate – BRGIE to Nigerian govt". Daily Post Nigeria . Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  7. ↑ Amin_3 (23 April 2024). "Stay off our lands- Biafra Liberation Army warns Bandits, Terrorists - Peoples Daily Newspaper" . Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  8. 1 2 3 "Simon Ekpa sai "rauhanlähettiläs-palkinnon" Helsingissä – Lahdessa asuva liikemies tunnetaan nigerialaisten lietsomisesta kapinaan" [Simon Ekpa received the "peace ambassador award" in Helsinki - the Lahti-based businessman is known for inciting Nigerians to revolt (Google translate)]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 1 June 2023. Retrieved 9 June 2023.
  9. 1 2 "Simon Ekpa: Nigeria's Ipob faction leader arrested in Finland". BBC News. 23 February 2023. Retrieved 12 June 2023.
  10. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Parkkari, Jani (16 February 2023). "Lahtelainen kunnallispoliitikko johtaa aseellista kapinaa Nigeriassa – määrännyt miljoonat ihmiset boikotoimaan vaaleja" [A municipal politician from Lahti leads an armed rebellion in Nigeria - ordering millions of people to boycott the elections (Google translate)] (in Finnish). Yle. Retrieved 17 February 2023.
  11. ↑ Daily Post Staff (12 March 2024). "Simon Ekpa's journey from track athlete to Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government in Exile". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  12. 1 2 "Biafran Agitator, Simon Ekpa Takes Responsibility For Killing Of Four Nigerian Policemen In Owerri | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 31 July 2024.
  13. 1 2 3 TheCable (8 December 2021). "CLOSE-UP: Simon Ekpa, Nnamdi Kanu's Finland-based disciple and king of fake news". TheCable . Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  14. 1 2 Sobowale, Rasheed (16 April 2022). "Violence in South East: Who's Simon Ekpa?". Vanguard . Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  15. ↑ Omaka, Arua Oko (30 September 2016). The Biafran Humanitarian Crisis, 1967–1970: International Human Rights and Joint Church Aid. Rowman & Littlefield. p. 64. ISBN   978-1-61147-974-4.
  16. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 Rämö, Aurora (21 March 2024). ""Biafran pääministeri" asuu Lahdessa – Erikoinen kokoomusvaikuttaja aiheutti diplomaattisen selkkauksen" [The "prime minister of Biafra" lives in Lahti - A peculiar coalition influencer caused a diplomatic row (Google translate)]. Suomen Kuvalehti (in Finnish). Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  17. ↑ "Nnamdi Kanu's Finland-based Disciple, Ekpa Renounces Nigerian Citizenship, Vows To Return Medal Won As Ex-Athelete". Sahara Reporters . Retrieved 30 December 2024.
  18. ↑ "CDS: Simon Ekpa must be prosecuted — Finnish government giving him support [Paragraph 7 says: "In September 2021,..."". The Cables. 12 June 2024.
  19. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (15 July 2024). "Biafra: Simon Ekpa announces return of athletic medals to Nigerian Govt". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  20. ↑ Daily Post Staff (12 August 2024). "I've served Ndigbo better than anyone - Simon Ekpa boasts". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 12 August 2024.
  21. ↑ Soyooye, Adesina (11 July 2021). "IPOB: Amidst Controversy, Kanu's Stand-in, Ekpa, Talks Tough". The Source. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  22. 1 2 Daily Post Staff (12 March 2024). "Simon Ekpa: Journey from track athlete to Prime Minister of Biafra Republic Government in Exile". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  23. 1 2 3 "Nigeria asks Finland to clamp down on Lahti resident and Biafra separatist leader Simon Ekpa". Yle . 17 February 2023. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  24. ↑ "Miksi valitsit kokoomuksen? Viisi erilaista ehdokasta kertoo – Vicky Rosti: "Teen työtäni yrittäjäpohjalta"". Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 14 March 2017. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  25. ↑ "Jalkaranta - Lahti - Kuntavaalit 2017 - Vaalien tulospalvelu | Yle". Vaalien tulospalvelu (in Finnish). Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  26. ↑ "Lahtelaisen kapinajohtajan Simon Ekpan lakifirma ajautui talousvaikeuksiin – todettiin ulosotossa varattomaksi". Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 24 February 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  27. ↑ "Häme NCP weighs separatist leader Simon Ekpa's activities in Nigeria". News. 19 February 2023. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  28. 1 2 3 Hämäläinen, Veli-Pekka; Rautio, Marjatta (24 February 2023). "Lahtelaisen kapinajohtajan Simon Ekpan lakifirma ajautui talousvaikeuksiin – todettiin ulosotossa varattomaksi" [Lahti-based rebellion leader Simon Ekpa's law firm ran into financial difficulties - it was found to be unresourced in the foreclosure]. Yle (in Finnish). Retrieved 26 April 2024. Ekpa kuvaa yrityksensä verkkosivuilla itseään asiantuntijaksi erityisesti ulkomaalaislaissa. Hän ei kuitenkaan edusta asiakkaitaan itse oikeudessa eikä ole asianajaja. (...) Ekpa on kertonut verkkosivuillaan ja sosiaalisessa mediassa saaneensa tutkinnon walesiläisestä Aberystwythin yliopistosta. Yle kysyi asiaa yliopistosta. Sieltä ei annettu tietoja tutkinnoista. [Ekpa describes himself on his company website as an expert, especially in immigration law. However, he does not represent his clients in court himself, and he is not a lawyer. (...) Ekpa has said on his website and social media that he received a degree from the Welsh University of Aberystwyth. Yle asked the university about this. There was no information about any degrees].
  29. ↑ Pirilä, Marjo; Stolzmann, Jessica (12 March 2023). "Nigeriaan kapinaa lietsova lahtelaismies markkinoi lakipalveluita maahanmuuttajille – luulivat keskustelevansa asianajajan kanssa" [Lahti man inciting rebellion in Nigeria markets legal services to immigrants - they thought they were talking to a lawyer (Google translate)]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  30. ↑ Rasak, Adekunle (15 December 2019). "Nigerians should discountenance video on alleged capture of soldiers ― Rights Attorney". Nigerian Tribune . Retrieved 19 April 2024.
  31. ↑ "IPOB sacks Simon Ekpa as Radio Biafra broadcaster". Guardian Nigeria News. 22 July 2021. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  32. ↑ "Ihe Finland kwuru maka ebubo na Simon Ekpa na-akpalite tigbuo-zogbuo n'Ọwụwa Anyanwụ" [Finland's comments on the accusation that Simon Ekpa is inciting violence in the East (Google translate)]. BBC News Ìgbò (in Igbo). 21 January 2023. Retrieved 9 February 2023.
  33. ↑ "IPOB sacks Kanu's successor in Radio Biafra". The Sun. 22 July 2021.
  34. ↑ Njoku, Lawrence (22 July 2021). "IPOB sacks Simon Ekpa as Radio Biafra broadcaster". The Guardian . Enugu . Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  35. ↑ "EXCLUSIVE: IPOB Accuses Nnamdi Kanu's Self-proclaimed Disciple, Simon Ekpa Of Working With Nigerian Politicians, Security Agencies To Kill Igbo People". Sahara Reporters . New York. 26 May 2022. Retrieved 22 January 2023.
  36. ↑ Samuel, Okonkwo (2 April 2022). "IPOB Reveals Name/Face Behind Unknown Gunmen In South East - Daily News Reporters". Daily News Reporters - Voice of the Southeast. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  37. 1 2 Ani, Emmanuel (5 July 2023). "Tension in Enugu as unknown gunmen enforce sit-at-home". Daily Post . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  38. 1 2 Ugwu, Chinagorom (30 May 2024). "Sit-at-home: Enugu govt vows to resist IPOB plan to scuttle WASSCE in South-east". Premium Times . Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  39. ↑ "Nnamdi Kanu's Self-professed Disciple, Simon Ekpa Declares Full Biafran Government In Exile, Says No Going Back On Separation From Nigeria | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  40. ↑ Uchechukwu, Oghenekevwe UCHECHUKWU (11 April 2023). "Ekpa declares self Biafra Prime Minister in Exile, names advisory council". ICIR. Retrieved 11 March 2024.
  41. ↑ "Nnamdi Kanu's 'Disciple', Ekpa Writes UN, Announces Himself As Prime Minister Of Biafra Government In Exile, Lists Other Ministers, Office Holders | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. 13 April 2023. Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  42. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (24 May 2023). "Nnamdi Kanu in severe pain, needs urgent ear surgery – Ekpa raises alarm". Daily Post (Nigeria) . Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  43. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (5 June 2023). "Sit-at-home: Ekpa knocks Mbah, claims governor disgraced". Daily Post (Nigeria) . Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  44. ↑ Nnachi, Edward (2 October 2023). "Gunmen attack Ebonyi community, burn vehicles, others". The Punch . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  45. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (23 May 2023). "Nnamdi Kanu happy with Biafra Republic Government in Exile – Ekpa insists". Daily Post (Nigeria) . Retrieved 10 June 2023.
  46. ↑ Opejobi, Seun (16 April 2023). "Simon Ekpa: Nnamdi Kanu, IPOB have no link with Biafra govt in exile - IPOB". Daily Post (Nigeria) . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  47. 1 2 Ugwu, Chinagorom (5 August 2023). "Why Simon Ekpa will not stop sit-at-home in South-east — Nigerian senator". Premium Times . Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  48. ↑ Majeed, Bakare (21 November 2023). "Insecurity: Nigerian military accuses Finland of encouraging separatist leader". Premium Times . Retrieved 3 May 2024.
  49. ↑ "Hämeen kokoomus selvittää separatistijohtaja Simon Ekpan toimintaa Nigeriassa – Suomessa asuvat maanmiehet irtisanoutuvat väkivallasta" [The Häme coalition investigates separatist leader Simon Ekpa's activities in Nigeria - compatriots living in Finland resign from violence (Google translate)]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 17 February 2023. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  50. ↑ "Yle Nigeriassa: Miljoonat pysyvät kotona joka maanantai, kun Simon Ekpa Lahdesta käskee – pelko on seudulla kouriintuntuvaa" [Yle in Nigeria: Millions stay at home every Monday when Simon Ekpa from Lahti orders - fear is palpable in the region (Google translate)]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). 18 February 2023. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
  51. ↑ Rautio, Marjatta (24 February 2023). "Poliisi epäilee lahtelaista Simon Ekpaa rahankeräysrikoksesta – KRP selvittää myös nigerialaiskapinallisen toimia sosiaalisessa mediassa" [The police suspect Simon Ekpa from Lahti of a money-raising crime - KRP is also investigating the activities of the Nigerian rebel on social media (Google translate)]. Yle Uutiset (in Finnish). Retrieved 25 April 2024.
  52. ↑ Obeta, Okechukwu (7 December 2022). "Ignore 5-day Sit-at-home Order, IPOB Tells South East Residents" . Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  53. ↑ Osaji, Sharon (15 December 2022). "Ekpa ends sit-at-home, says no elections in South-East". The Punch . Retrieved 16 June 2023.
  54. ↑ Ochogwu Sunday (6 December 2022). "No 5-day sit-at-home in South-East – IPOB counters Simon Ekpa". Daily Post Nigeria . Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  55. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (14 June 2023). "Ekpa announces weeklong sit-at-home to demand release of Nnamdi Kanu". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 15 June 2023.
  56. ↑ "IPOB: Ekpa Alleges S'East Governors Sponsored Terrorists To Attack Him In Finland – The Whistler Newspaper". thewhistler.ng. Retrieved 31 July 2023.
  57. ↑ "Simon Ekpa Sit-At-Home: Gunmen Attack, Set Police Van Ablaze In Enugu | African Examiner". African Examiner. 10 December 2022. Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  58. ↑ Johnson, Hannah (30 July 2023). "Kanu not to be blamed for Biafran agitators' actions – Simon Ekpa". Punch Newspapers. Retrieved 22 June 2024.
  59. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (5 July 2023). "Release Nnamdi Kanu or we stop oil exploitation in Biafra soil - Simon Ekpa threatens". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 21 June 2024.
  60. ↑ Jimada, Usman (July 2023). "Social Media Hate and Misinformation Campaign in the Nigeria 2023 Elections: Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities Researches". Journal of Social Sciences & Humanities Researches. 9 (7): 11.
  61. 1 2 Ariemu, Ogaga (29 May 2024). "Stop using force, threats, engage Finland to mediate – BRGIE to Nigerian govt". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  62. ↑ Henry, Umoru (5 May 2024). "Biafra civil war: BRGIE disagrees with IPOB on Sit-at-home in South East". Vanguard News.
  63. ↑ Isaac, Dachen (6 May 2024). "Simon Ekpa, IPOB disagree on sit-at-home for Biafra civil war heroes". Ripples Nigeria . Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  64. ↑ Ojiego, Nnamdi; Nwaiwu, Chimaobi; Alozie, Chinonso; Okutu, Peter (26 May 2024). "BIAFRA DAY: S/East on edge as IPOB, Ekpa's group issue conflicting 'orders'". Vanguard . Retrieved 27 May 2024.
  65. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (19 October 2023). "Simon Ekpa hosts three-day extraordinary conference on Biafra Referendum". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  66. ↑ Okafor, Emeka (22 October 2023). "The Biafra-Helsinki Declaration Convention". Dotland Media. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
  67. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (5 May 2024). "Biafra civil war: BRGIE counters IPOB on Sit-at-home in South-East". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 5 May 2024.
  68. ↑ "Biafra's 40 States Structure Emerges As BRGIE Begins Global Self-Referendum E-voting". thesouthernexaminer.com. Retrieved 16 June 2024.
  69. ↑ Reporter, NigPilot News (24 March 2024). "Declaring Simon Ekpa wanted sessionist won't stop Biafra Independence declaration in 2024 - BRGIE". Nigerian Pilot News. Retrieved 14 April 2024.
  70. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (13 June 2024). "Biafra declaration will restore peace, stability to West Africa - BRGIE". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  71. ↑ Grace, Ihesiulo (13 June 2024). "Biafra declaration in December will restore peace, stability to West Africa- BRGIE". DAILY TIMES Nigeria. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  72. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (27 July 2024). "Biafra: Simon Ekpa claims 49 million have voted in 'self-referendum'". Daily Post Nigeria . Retrieved 28 July 2024.
  73. ↑ Omolaoye, Sodiq (1 June 2024). "Biafra: Over 30 million voted for self-rule in self-referendum, says Simon Ekpa". The Guardian (Nigeria) . Retrieved 6 June 2024.
  74. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (28 June 2024). "Biafra referendum binding statement under Int'l law - OEAS". Daily Post Nigeria . Retrieved 28 June 2024.
  75. ↑ "African Conflict Zones in Need of Cease-Fires for Coronavirus Aid". Voice of America - News. 1 April 2020. Retrieved 2 July 2024.
  76. ↑ Omolaoye, Sodiq (9 July 2024). "Ekpa warns Obi, South-East leaders against negotiations for Kanu". The Guardian (Nigeria) . Retrieved 9 July 2024.
  77. ↑ Ochogwu Sunday (12 July 2024). "US to back Biafra declaration in coming months - Ekpa's BRGIE claims". Daily Post Nigeria . Retrieved 16 July 2024.
  78. ↑ "Biafra Liberation Army, Resistance Fighters will protect Igbos in southeast - Simon Ekpa". Vanguard News. 23 October 2023.
  79. ↑ Agberebi, James (28 November 2023). "Gunmen kill DPO, inspector in Imo". The Guardian . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  80. ↑ Jimoh, Taiwo (28 November 2023). "UPDATE: Imo CP Hunt For Killers Of DPO, Orderly Murder". New Telegraph . Retrieved 20 February 2024.
  81. ↑ Uzoaru, Stanley (2 October 2023). "IPOB disowns Biafra Liberation Army". The Sun . Retrieved 29 April 2024.
  82. ↑ "Executive summary - Cameroon". Cameroon Country Monitor. S&P Global. April 2024.
  83. ↑ Pecquet, Julian (28 June 2024). "Ex‑Congressman's firm lobbies for African governments in exile". The Africa Report . Retrieved 15 July 2024.
  84. ↑ Opanuga, Jimisayo (23 March 2024). "Nigeria military declares Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted for terrorism". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
  85. ↑ Odeniyi, Solomon (22 March 2024). "DHQ declares Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted". The Punch . Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  86. ↑ Omonobi, Kingsley (24 March 2024). "IPoB: Simon Ekpa, Chika Edoziem, Egede, 94 others wanted". Vanguard . Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  87. ↑ "DHQ declares Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted for terrorism, kidnapping". Peoples Gazette . 23 March 2024. Retrieved 20 April 2024.
  88. ↑ Isaac, Dachen (25 March 2024). "Ekpa says Tinubu, Uzodimma, Soludo, service chiefs, others wanted for terrorism in S'East". Ripples Nigeria . Retrieved 26 April 2024.
  89. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (25 May 2024). "Nnamdi Kanu: BRGIE drags Nigerian govt to AU". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 26 May 2024.
  90. ↑ "Ex-DSS director demands extradition of Simon Ekpa". The Nation. 4 June 2024.
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  92. ↑ "Finland Is Supporting Simon Ekpa But He Must Be Arrested, Prosecuted, Says Nigerian Defence Chief Musa | Sahara Reporters". saharareporters.com. Retrieved 14 June 2024.
  93. ↑ "Chief of Defence Staff calls for Simon Ekpa's arrest, accuses Finland and European Union of shielding him". InflowPost. 10 August 2024. Retrieved 10 August 2024.
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  96. ↑ "Insecurity: Group to commence month-long lockdown in South-East". Vanguard News. 24 August 2024.
  97. ↑ Ariemu, Ogaga (20 August 2024). "Ekpa unveils 40-state Biafra map". Daily Post Nigeria. Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  98. ↑ David, Tarkaa (28 August 2024). "Biafra: Federal Gov't Engaging EU To Extradite Simon Ekpa – DHQ" . Retrieved 29 August 2024.
  99. ↑ "Lets discuss at EU, pro-Biafran group tells FG". Vanguard News. 27 August 2024.
  100. ↑ "Man investigated for instigating violence in Nigeria from Finland". euronews. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  101. ↑ "Finnish police arrest 5 suspects over separatist violence in Nigeria". Voice of America. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
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  103. ↑ "Simon Ekpa arrest: Nigeria wants extradition of separatist detained in Finland". www.bbc.com. Retrieved 24 November 2024.
  104. ↑ Nation, The (6 January 2025). "Finnish Govt releases two of Ekpa's accomplices". The Nation Newspaper. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
  105. ↑ Abatta, Abimbola (14 December 2024). "Finnish Authorities Freeze Simon Ekpa's Assets". Foundation For Investigative Journalism. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
  106. ↑ "Simon Ekpa arrested: Finland authorities arrest Ipob separatist on suspicion of terrorist offences". BBC News Pidgin. 21 November 2024. Retrieved 21 November 2024.
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  108. ↑ "Lucas Ayaba Cho: Cameroonian Anglophone leader arrested in Norway". www.bbc.com. 26 September 2024. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
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  111. ↑ Adewole, Segun (24 November 2024). "Simon Ekpa's loyalists say arrest won't stop Monday's sit-at-home in Southeast". The Guardian Nigeria News - Nigeria and World News. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
  112. ↑ Daniel, Daniel (26 December 2024). "Simon Ekpa's Deputy, Ngozi Orabueze, Reveals Plans to Free Him from Detention in Finland". Politics Nigeria. Retrieved 27 January 2025.
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