Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Government In Exile, faces serious corruption allegations from his former allies.
News Band reports that Ekpa, who leads the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), was arrested in November by Finnish authorities alongside four associates suspected of financing his activities.
Following his arrest, the Biafra Government In Exile has been engulfed in scandals, particularly after Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, previously Ekpa’s Chief of Staff, assumed control.
Sources reveal that substantial funds meant for the movement have reportedly been misappropriated by Ekpa, including contributions intended for the welfare of Biafran Liberation soldiers, who are allegedly struggling with inadequate provisions.
One insider expressed frustration over the mismanagement of funds, stating, “All the money we contributed and handed over to him cannot be accounted for. Our soldiers are taking garri without sugar in their various camps. This is unacceptable.”
In a counter-response, Simon Ekpa’s Minister of Information accused Dr. Orabueze of being a political mole and dismissed her claims about the soldiers’ conditions as false. Despite these denials, video evidence surfaced showing members of the Biafran Liberation Army receiving minimal rations.
Dr. Orabueze’s recent actions, including the dismissal of Finance Minister Okechukwu Nkere, have intensified tensions within the group. Insiders suggest that her leadership change was a strategic move to prevent a repeat of past leadership crises following Nnamdi Kanu’s arrest.
As investigations into Ekpa’s activities continue, his supporters remain divided on the implications for the Biafran independence movement and its future direction.
