IPOB lawyer hails Ekpa’s conviction, says South-East will take years to recover from his deception

Human rights lawyer and counsel to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Barrister Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has hailed the conviction of Finland-based pro-Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa, describing it as a historic verdict against fraud, deception, and violence disguised as agitation.

In a statement on Monday, Ejiofor said the judgment by a Finnish District Court did not come as a surprise, noting that Ekpa’s activities had long been anchored on “lies, violence, and exploitation.”

“The conviction of Simon Ekpa today by a District Court in Finland does not come to me as a surprise,” Ejiofor stated.

“I have long understood the weight of his infractions, the inherent weakness of his defence, and the inevitable collapse of the fraudulent empire he built on lies, violence, and exploitation.”

Ejiofor accused Ekpa of usurping the authority of IPOB’s Directorate of State (DOS) and spreading violence through his so-called Biafra Liberation Army (BLA). He said Ekpa’s actions tarnished IPOB’s global reputation as a peaceful movement and gave the Nigerian state an excuse to clamp down on innocent agitators.

“He was aided, both openly and discreetly, by individuals and groups whose mission was to derail the genuine struggle for self-determination, sow confusion, and ultimately turn Ala-Igbo into a theatre of violence, bloodshed, and blackmail,” Ejiofor said.

The lawyer noted that Ekpa’s deadly declarations misled many vulnerable youths, adding that when his “foot soldiers” were arrested, they falsely claimed IPOB membership rather than allegiance to the BLA.

“This strategic deception provided the Nigerian state with excuses to brutalise innocent and peaceful agitators and criminalise a globally recognised peaceful movement,” he added.

Ejiofor recalled that he repeatedly warned against Ekpa’s methods, despite facing attacks and accusations.

“Throughout this dangerous era, I raised my voice on every available platform, including mainstream media, warning our people to reject Simon Ekpa and his poisonous preachings. I was attacked, vilified, and branded a saboteur simply because I insisted on speaking the truth,” he said.

He further accused Ekpa of exploiting gullible followers with false promises of warships, fighter jets, and unrealistic independence dates while enriching himself abroad.

“The irony remains painful: even after each false prophecy failed, some continued to clap for him, pouring in financial contributions, while he lived in comfort abroad and our youths died at home,” Ejiofor lamented.