Simon Ekpa Backtracks, Denies Involvement in Killings in South East

Detained Biafra agitator Simon Ekpa has reversed his earlier stance, denying any involvement in the killings reported across parts of Nigeria’s South-East.

Speaking through his lawyer, Jonathan Levy, in a statement, Ekpa distanced himself and his affiliated groups from recent violence, particularly in Orsu and other communities in Imo and Anambra states.

“The publication contains false, defamatory, and malicious statements concerning our client and its affiliates, particularly in reference to USB’s Prime Minister, Mazi Simon Ekpa, an affiliate of the Biafra Liberation Army (BLA),” the statement said.

Ekpa was reacting to a March 27 broadcast on Biafra Radio titled: “ESN/IPOB Was Never Involved in the Barbarism That Happened in Orsu and Other Communities in Imo and Anambra States—IPOB.”

In the statement, the United States of Biafra (USB), led by Ekpa and deputised by Ngozi Orabueze, condemned the report as “a malicious and deliberate attempt to discredit, malign, and incite hatred.”

“The article falsely alleges, either directly or by implication, that Mr. Ekpa, the BLA, and by extension, USB, are responsible for murder and other acts of violence in southeastern Nigeria.

“These allegations are patently false, unsubstantiated, and defamatory. Neither Mazi Simon Ekpa, the BLA defence force, nor any affiliated entity or official of the United States of Biafra has been involved in any such acts.”

The group said the report, allegedly authored by IPOB’s spokesman, Emma Powerful, had caused “significant reputational damage” and threatened the safety of their affiliates.

They demanded an immediate retraction and warned that legal action could be taken under defamation laws in the UK and the US.

Although Ekpa had previously made claims suggesting links to unrest in the region, his latest denial comes amid an ongoing trial in Finland, where he faces allegations of incitement and separatist activities.