TheNewsGuru

Tag: Simon Ekpa

  • Simon Ekpa-led BRGIE to reveal 40 United States of Biafra’ map in December

    Simon Ekpa-led BRGIE to reveal 40 United States of Biafra’ map in December

    The Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Government in Exile (BRGIE) has announced that it will unveil the map of the “40 United States of Biafra” and issue a declaration on December 2, 2024.

     

    Ekpa, who claims to be the Prime Minister of BRGIE, made this announcement on Tuesday via his official X handle, stating that the move is aimed at furthering the realization of Biafra’s independence.

     

    “The Biafra Government is preparing to present the complete map of Biafra on December 2, 2024,” Ekpa stated.

     

    It is worth recalling that Biafra agitators, including Ekpa and Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have been persistently advocating for Biafra’s independence, despite strong resistance from the Nigerian government.

     

    Recently, Ekpa enlisted the help of former U.S. lawmaker and lobbyist, James, to garner support from the U.S. government for Biafra’s secession from Nigeria.

  • Real reason DHQ declared Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted

    Real reason DHQ declared Simon Ekpa, 96 others wanted

    The Defence Headquarters (DHQ) on Saturday declared Finland-based Simon Ekpa, a self-styled Biafra agitator wanted.

    Also declared wanted alongside Ekpa was Chika Edoziem, another Biafra agitator, both of them disciples of leader of proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra, Nnamdi Kanu.

    They are among the 21 violent criminals declared wanted in the Southeast geopolitical zone.

    Ekpa and Edoziem were among 97 other persons the DHQ declared wanted for terrorism, kidnapping and other crimes.

    Director of Defence, Media Operations, Maj.-Gen. Edward Buba, displayed the names and photographs of the wanted persons in a poster he released on Saturday in Abuja.

    The poster showed names and photographs of the wanted persons in various geopolitical zones and they were designated either as terrorists, kidnappers or persons behind violent crimes.

    No bounty was placed on the 97 persons declared wanted.

    Recall that in 2022, the military declared 19 bandits wanted in the Northwest and placed a N5 million bounty on their heads.

    It is not clear whether those declared wanted in 2022 have been captured or killed but names like Bello Turji and Halilu Babubu still featured on the list released on Saturday.

    The DHQ declared 43 persons wanted in the Northwest in connection with banditry, kidnapping and terrorism.

    Among them are Alhaji Shingi, Malindi Yakubu, Boka, Dogo Gide, Halilu Sububu, Ado Aliero, Bello Turji, Dan Bokkolo, Labi Yadi, Nagala, Saidu Idris, Kachalla Rugga and Sani Gurgu.

    It declared 33 Boko Haram and Islamic State – West Africa Province (ISWAP) terrorists wanted in the Northeast.

    Among them are Abu Zaida, Modu Sulum, Baba Data, Ahmad, Sani Teacher, Baa Sadiq, Abdul Saad, Kaka Abi, Mohammad Khalifa, Umar Tella, Abu Mutahid, Malam Mohammad, Malam Tahiru Baga, Uzaiya and Ali Ngule.

    Others declared wanted in the southeast included people known as Egede, Zuma, ThankGod, Gentle, Flavour, Mathew; High Chief Williams Agbor, Ebuka Nwaka, Obiemesi Chukwudi, aka Dan Chuk, David Chidiebube and Amobi Okafor, aka Temple.

    The DHQ urged members of the public to report information about the wanted person via phone numbers: 090488450750, 09071230344, 08167291448, 09135783469, 09127140930 and 08146691704.

  • Defense Headquarters declare IPOB’s Ekpa, 96 others wanted

    Defense Headquarters declare IPOB’s Ekpa, 96 others wanted

    One of the leaders of the proscribed Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), Simon Ekpa has been declared wanted by the Defence Headquarters in Abuja, the Nigeria Capital.

    Ekpa’s name was among other 96 wanted persons on the list published on the Military’s website.

    In a banner displaying the pictures of the suspects, the Defence Headquarters said it declared 97 persons wanted for terrorism, violent extremism and secessionist threats against the state.

    However, among the 97 wanted persons, Finland based  Ekpa has been declared prominent among them all.

    He’s known for his notorious Monday sit-at-home in the South-East zone.

    The Director, Defence Media Operations Major General Edward Buba, Director, confirmed the names and pictures of the people declared wanted.

    The wanted persons, terrorists/ bandits and insurgents commanders are from the North East, North West, North Central and South-East zones.

    A breakdown of the wanted persons shows that 43 were declared wanted in North West Zone plagued by banditry, and kidnapping among others and they include bandits/terrorists leaders such as Alhaji Shingi; Malindi Yakubu; Boka ; Dogo Gide; Halilu Sububu; Ado Aliero ; Bello Turji; Dan Bokkolo; Labi Yadi ; Nagala; Saidu Idris; Kachalla Rugga and Sani Gurgu.

    In the North East, 33 persons were declared wanted and they include terrorists commanders: Abu Zaida; Modu Sulum; Baba Data; Ahmad; Sani Teacher; Baa Sadiq; Abdul Saad; Kaka Abi; Mohammad Khalifa; Umar Tella; Abu Mutahid; Mallam Mohammad; Mallam Tahiru Baga; Uzaiya and Ali Ngule.

    In the North Central and South East 21 Insurgents/militants and violent criminals were equally declared wanted.

    They include factional IPOB leader, Simon Ekpa; Chika Edoziem; Egede; Zuma, ThankGod Gentle; Flavour; Mathew; David Ndubuisi ; High Chief Williams Agbor; Ebuka Nwaka; Friday Ojimka.

    Others in the South East are Obiemesi Chukwudi aka Dan Chuk; David Ezekwem Chidiebube and Amobi Chinonso Okafor aka Temple.

    In February 2023 days before the presidential and national assembly election, Ekpa was arrested in Finland where he resides after threatening that the elections would not hold in the South-East.

    Ekpa was arrested by the police in his residence in the Lahti area of the country, a Finnish paper Helsingin Sanomat had reported.

    The separatist repeatedly declared that there will be no elections in the South-East region of the country and insisted on the observance of a sit-at-home every Monday in the area to protest the detention of the leader of the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB) Nnamdi Kanu.

    IPOB, however, distanced itself from the Finland-based Ekpa who was reportedly billed for an interview before his arrest.

    He was later released and has since been very active on social media where he posts his pro-Biafran messages.

  • BRGIE begins self-referendum voting for all Igbos, reveals details

    BRGIE begins self-referendum voting for all Igbos, reveals details

    The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has commenced a self-referendum process to actualize the age-long agitation for a sovereign nation known as Biafra.

    Ekpa Simon, the self-acclaimed Prime Minister of BRGIE released a document containing an overview of the e-voting platform for the self-referendum.

    According to a report shared by Ekpa via his X (formerly Twitter) account, the referendum is part of steps meant to be taken to actualize the Biafra Republic peacefully.

    According to the document shared by the acclaimed Prime Minister, voting had already started on the platform on February 1 2024.

    It stated that voting will continue until it reaches a reasonable number of votes as a result of Internet challenges and lack of electricity in rural areas.

    The group has asked all Igbos to participate in the ongoing online referendum, saying all Biafra citizens have the right to choose their sovereignty freely.

    “Biafrans have demonstrated unparalleled loyalty to Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and Biafra Government in Exile by sitting at home every Monday for the past two years during our Leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu’s court appearances.

    “Collectively, through these actions, Biafrans have demonstrated beyond doubt a desire to be free from subjugation and the unprovoked periodic massacre of our people.

    “As such, we are taking steps to satisfy the requirements for a peaceful actualization of a quest for self-preservation and independence of the United States of Biafra.

    “Through the ongoing delegitimization of Nigeria in Biafra territory(through the Grievance Declaration, institutionalisation Declaration and Commitment Declaration) and the legitimization of the Biafra Government, the Biafra Liberation have attained the status for state recognition by successfully setting up institutions required by international law and standards.

    “This referendum election provides yet another step towards our freedom. As a Biafra citizen, you will further demonstrate your resolve for an independent United States of Biafra by participating in the Biafra Self Referendum (BSR),” Ekpa was quoted to have said.

    The group said to qualify for the exercise, participants must “be Biafran by birth (born of mother and/or father who themselves are Biafrans)” and from 18 years above.

    “You must know your State and County, which serve as your precinct. You must have a passport photo or a phone to take your passport photo. Your photo must not be more than 2MB,” the report stated.

  • Biafra republic government in exile opens administrative office in US

    Biafra republic government in exile opens administrative office in US

    The Biafra Republic Government in Exile says it has opened an administrative office in Maryland Baltimore, USA.

    The Prime Minister of BRGIE and Finland Lawyer, Simon Ekpa, disclosed this on Saturday on his official X handle.

    He said the office would boost the quest for Biafra liberation and referendum.

    Ekpa said the office will serve Biafrans worldwide.

    He wrote: “The Biafra Republic Government In Exile Administrative office in the United States is ready to serve Biafrans worldwide.”

     

  • Stop threatening our traditional ruler, Community warns Simon Ekpa

    Stop threatening our traditional ruler, Community warns Simon Ekpa

    The Aguleri Community Assembly in Anambra East Local Government Area, has told Simon Ekpa, the Finland-based, self-acclaimed leader of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to stop threatening HRH, Dr Michael Idigo, the traditional ruler of the town.

    The Community sent this message at a press conference jointly held by the Aguleri Town Union leadership and Aguleri Royal cabinet at the Palace of Eze Idigo on Wednesday.

    The community said Eze Idigo did not at any time visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained Leader of IPOB, or spoke to him on the protracted sit-at-home issue in the Southeast and so there was no need for any form of threat by Ekpa.

    Chief Ifeanyi iloakasia, President-General Aguleri Community Assembly who spoke on behalf of the Community, said they were taken aback by the threat from  Ekpa on their traditional ruler.

    Iloakasia said it was Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, the traditional ruler of Enugwu Aguleri, one of the villages of the larger Aguleri Community, that made the visit and public announcement.

    He said “Chukwuemeka Eri had the right in his capacity as ‘Eze Akajiovo’ and as a concerned stakeholder in the Southeast to visit Nnamdi Kanu and make public statements thereon without being subjected to the unwarranted backlash that we have witnessed.

    “Aguleri Community Assembly has noted with displeasure and bewilderment, the various comments made by Simon Ekpa and some other members of the IPOB against Igwe Aguleri over his purported meeting with Nnamdi Kanu at Abuja.

    “That Igwe Idigo, Ezeudo Aguleri, did not at any time visit Mazi Nnamdi Kanu at Abuja whether alone or in company of anybody.

    “That Igwe Idigo, Ezeudo Aguleri, is probably being mistaken for Eze Chukwuemeka Eri, Eze Akajiovo, who visited Mazi Nnamdi Kanu and made public statements thereafter,” he said.

    When contacted, Eze Chukwuemeka Eri said he visited Kanu and had received a similar threat but was not fazed by it.

    He said he had fruitful discussion with detained Kanu who reiterated his message for an end to the sit-at-home order on Mondays in the Southeast.

  • Simon Ekpa invites southeast governors, leaders to Biafra Convention in Finland

    Simon Ekpa invites southeast governors, leaders to Biafra Convention in Finland

    A self-acclaimed  Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) factional leader, Simon Ekpa, has sent invitation messages to southeast governors and other leaders to the Biafra Convention scheduled to hold later this year in Finland.

    Ekpa, the Finland-based lawyer and Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government, made this known via his official Twitter handle on Wednesday.

    According to him, the event will be the first-ever gathering of Biafrans in Finland.

    He stated that the convention would be the best opportunity for the governors and leaders to meet up with him.

    “We are inviting South East Governors, Senator Abaribe, Iwuanyanwu, Ifeanyi Uba and others to our Biafra Self Referendum Convention 2023 in Finland. Since they are looking for a way to see Simon Ekpa. Here is an opportunity to see him. No representatives will be allowed; you must come in person”, he wrote.

    Earlier, he announced that the convention would commence in October 2023.

  • Imo residents ignore Nnamdi Kanu, observe sit-at- home order by Simon Ekpa

    Imo residents ignore Nnamdi Kanu, observe sit-at- home order by Simon Ekpa

    Many shops and offices were under lock and key across the 27 councils in Imo state yesterday, as it was observed that the majority of the indigenes complied with the sit-at-home order issued by Simon Ekpa-led faction of Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), despite calls for the economic empowerment option introduced by the incarcerated leader of the group, Nnamdi Kanu.

    In Owerri, the state capital, many business premises were closed, including banks, markets and other food outlets, ignoring the state government’s directive for businesses to open or risk being sealed.

    There were a handful of vehicles on the roads, even as security operatives, on joint operations, were patrolling the city. It was the same story in other parts of the state.

    It was observed that the few persons who opened for business only provided skeletal sales and services, hiding and selling to their customers.

    Streets in Owerri , such as Wetheral, Douglas, Okigwe, Egbu, Mbaise, Nekede, Bank, including adjourning roads in Aladinma, Ikenegbu Layout, among others, were deserted.

    Few days ago,  Kanu had, through his special lawyer, Aloy Ejimofor, directed an end to sit-at-home, citing economic losses by South East people. But Ekpa, who is based in Finland, objected to the directive, referring to it as fake.

    A trader on Wetheral Road, popularly known as Tagboo, said the only way to end the sit-at-home is for President Bola Tinubu to issue a directive, freeing Kanu from detention.

    He said: “They know what to do. Let Tinubu free Kanu. That is the only thing that will make us believe the end to sit-at-home on Mondays. When we see him, he would say it and we would believe him.”

    Many Igbo leaders have accused Simon Ekpa of causing confusion with the sit-at-home order.

  • Sit -at -home: Kanu accuses FG of financing Simon Ekpa to cause crisis in Southeast

    Sit -at -home: Kanu accuses FG of financing Simon Ekpa to cause crisis in Southeast

    The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has accused the Nigerian government of bankrolling the Finland-based Biafra agitator, Simon Ekpa.

    According to Kanu, the Nigerian government was bankrolling Ekpa to cause crisis across the Southeast.

    He added that  the sit-at-home order was working for the government to “destroy our once peaceful land.”

    Kanu’s remark was disclosed by his lead counsel, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, after his routine legal visit to the Department of State Services, DSS.

    According to the statement: “Onyendu used the opportunity provided by the visit, to remind our people and all Ezigbo Umuchineke to note that whoever still goes about to observe any unauthorized sit-at-home directive, should know that he or she is working for the Nigerian Government to destroy our once peaceful land.

    “Onyendu was very emphatic that Simon Ekpa is procured and fully bankrolled by the Nigerian Government to cause unrest in our region.

    “Other far-reaching directives Onyendu handed down today on how to nip the activities of Ekpa and his criminal cohorts in the bud, shall remain private.”

  • Ekpa working for DSS – Emma Powerful alleges

    Ekpa working for DSS – Emma Powerful alleges

    The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has alleged that the factional leader, Mr Simon Ekpa was working for the Department of State Services (DSS), to bring down the group.

    Publicity Secretary of the group, Emma Powerful made the allegations in a press release on Monday, claiming that Ekpa was in 2016, trained by DSS and sent into IPOB as a mole.

    Ekpa, a Finland-based separatist leader, since the arrest of IPOB leader, Nnamdi Kanu in 2021, claimed leadership of the group and later styled himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Government in Exile.

    He is alleged to be responsible for the civil disobedience orders in the southeast region and is reported to be responsible for the violence unleashed on innocent people during the sit-at-home days.

    Although IPOB has constantly dissociated itself from the activities of Ekpa, the self-appointed disciple of Nnamdi Kanu, he insists his actions are to demand the speedy release of Kanu.

    Powerful said: “Ekpa was prior to this period groomed by the Nigerian DSS to usurp the leadership of IPOB in 2016 but that evil plans failed woefully.

    “Simon Ekpa was the same person as the faceless Okwudili that DSS created in 2016 as the new leader of IPOB when our leader was in detention in 2016. Prior to this time, Simon was a hater of Ndigbo and particularly, IPOB in Finland. IPOB members in Finland will attest to this.

    “Simon Ekpa is the exclusive project of the Nigerian DSS, to create a situation of unrest and hostilities in the South East which the end product was to destroy the image of IPOB.”

    The group said if it was not so, the federal government would have taken certain steps to arrest his activities in the zone.

    “Why is the Nigerian government not making any effort to diplomatically engage the Finnish Government about the visible hostilities of Ekpa? Why did Nigeria suppress the Legal Investigation of Ekpa in Finland, also his court cases in Nigeria?”

    The group said if the federal government was serious about ending Ekpa’s rascality in the zone, it would have ordered the DSS to allow Kanu to address his followers through his social media channels.

    The group also called on its members to discountenance Ekpa while also challenging him to attempt to dish orders to IPOB members without using Kanu’s name and see that no one would listen to him.