The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has strongly condemned a recent report by the Associated Press (AP), describing it as a deliberate attempt to mislead the global community by falsely associating IPOB and its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, with the conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland.
According to IPOB, this misrepresentation is part of a broader international campaign, allegedly driven by the United Kingdom in support of the Nigerian state, aimed at maligning IPOB’s reputation, whitewashing Nigeria’s human rights record, and diverting attention from the ongoing judicial irregularities in the trial of Nnamdi Kanu in Abuja.
Clarifying IPOB’s Position on Simon Ekpa
IPOB reiterated that Simon Ekpa has never been a member or leader of the movement. This position, the group noted, is not conjecture but a matter of public record in both Nigerian and foreign courts. Through legal processes, IPOB has consistently disassociated itself from Ekpa and his activities. Linking IPOB to his conviction, the group argued, is a calculated attempt to mislead the judiciary and the international community.
IPOB as a Lawful Global Movement
Highlighting its legitimacy, IPOB stressed that it operates in over 100 countries and is legally registered in more than 60 jurisdictions worldwide. Apart from Nigeria, no country designates IPOB as a terrorist organisation. The group emphasized that its agitation for self-determination is anchored on international law and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, which recognises the rights of Indigenous peoples to demand self-determination.
On the Finnish Court Ruling
The group clarified that Simon Ekpa’s conviction in Finland is a matter personal to him, noting that he leads a separate organisation known as the “Autopilot Government in Exile.” IPOB accused AP and other media outlets of deliberately distorting facts to fit predetermined narratives sponsored by vested interests.
Criticism of Media Practices
IPOB further criticised international media and tech platforms for relying on compromised Nigerian correspondents, alleging that such reporters often distort facts for financial gain. The group warned that such practices undermine credible journalism and contribute to global disinformation.
Double Standards in Reporting
The group pointed to a Canadian court ruling that classified Nigeria’s major political parties, APC and PDP, as terrorist organisations—an outcome that received little international coverage. By contrast, IPOB argued, media outlets eagerly amplify unverified claims aimed at smearing its image, despite its peaceful and law-abiding activities.
Coordinated Disinformation
IPOB likened the current wave of negative reports to the manipulation of Wikipedia in June 2021, which it said was part of the build-up to Nnamdi Kanu’s abduction in Kenya. The group described the AP report as part of an orchestrated psychological warfare campaign against its movement, timed to influence Kanu’s ongoing trial before Justice James Omotosho in Abuja.
IPOB’s Call to the Global Community
In conclusion, IPOB urged credible journalists and responsible media outlets worldwide to resist being used as tools of disinformation. The group pledged to continue defending its reputation through truth, evidence, and transparency, while exposing what it described as a deliberate effort to delegitimise a lawful self-determination movement.
