The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has hailed Chief Martin Onovo, a former presidential candidate and Head of Policy Positions at the Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), for what it described as his “fearless and truthful” stance on the Simon Ekpa issue, while reaffirming the global legitimacy of its detained leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.

In an international press statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, IPOB said Chief Onovo was right to describe Simon Ekpa as “a deranged criminal rightly convicted in Finland,” stressing that Ekpa’s activities have no connection with either Kanu or IPOB.

According to IPOB, the refusal of the Nigerian government to obey court rulings ordering Kanu’s release created a vacuum “that opportunistic predators like Ekpa exploited.”

IPOB Reiterates Peaceful Mission

The pro-Biafra movement restated that it is a global, non-violent self-determination body, registered in over 60 countries and active in more than 100.

“No nation, no court, and no global institution has ever endorsed Nigeria’s false terrorist tag on IPOB. Before the eyes of the world, IPOB remains whiter than white and whiter than snow,” the statement read.

It further highlighted Kanu’s sacrifices, including what it called his defense of Biafra land against insecurity, his COVID-19 humanitarian efforts, and his commitment to a peaceful referendum.

On Simon Ekpa

IPOB insisted that Ekpa was never part of its leadership, alleging that he was “a creation of the Nigerian state and some Igbo politicians” aimed at undermining Kanu’s leadership.

“This evil plot has failed and will continue to fail. The Biafran people remain united under Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu,” the group stated.

Appeal to International Community

The group urged world powers, human rights bodies, and democratic governments to pressure Nigeria into releasing Kanu, who it said has been unlawfully detained despite being discharged by Nigerian courts.

“Kanu remains in detention not because he committed any crime, but because his popularity and vision of a free Biafra threaten those in power. His continued persecution is an insult to Nigeria’s judiciary and a violation of international law,” Emma Powerful declared.

IPOB concluded by echoing Chief Onovo’s demand for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, insisting that attempts to link the peaceful struggle with Simon Ekpa’s activities “have failed internationally and will continue to fail.”