A prominent human rights lawyer and legal representative of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Sir Ifeanyi Ejiofor, has lashed out at Igbo political leaders over their continued silence following the conviction of Simon Ekpa in Finland.
Ejiofor described the leaders’ failure to speak out as a dangerous act of complicity that has
emboldened violence across the South-East.
In a statement titled “Strange Blood in Ala-Igbo: When the Pen Becomes Deadlier than the Sword,” Ejiofor said the September 1 sentencing of Ekpa by the Päijät-Häme District Court has once again exposed the depth of bloodshed that has plagued the region.
He described Ekpa as a “serial fraudster masquerading as a liberator,” blaming him for the loss of countless lives and the destabilization of communities.
According to Ejiofor, Ekpa’s violent rhetoric and online broadcasts have glorified terror rather than mourned the victims of his actions.
He accused Ekpa of celebrating horror and inciting further bloodshed through his digital platforms, leaving no family or kindred in the region untouched by violence.
Ejiofor did not spare the region’s political elite, arguing that their silence in the wake of Ekpa’s conviction amounts to betrayal.
He questioned how many Igbo leaders have publicly condemned Ekpa, stating that their inaction has served as fuel for further unrest.
Whether driven by cowardice, convenience, or complicity, Ejiofor said the silence of these leaders would be remembered by history as a grave failure.
He reminded the public that he personally filed a defamation suit against Ekpa in Nigeria, which remains active.
Ejiofor also emphasized that IPOB’s Directorate of State has repeatedly disowned Ekpa, organizing protests in Finland and submitting formal petitions to the Finnish government to distance the group from his actions and push for official investigations.
Referring to the impact on the Igbo diaspora, Ejiofor noted that Nigerians living in Finland faced intense scrutiny due to Ekpa’s conduct, yet some individuals still elevated his propaganda above truth.
He reaffirmed that while the pursuit of Biafra is legitimate and protected by both international and Nigerian law, the struggle must be rooted in justice not bloodshed.
In a strong message to Ekpa’s followers, Ejiofor warned that the violence they support today could one day consume them.
He called for purification of the movement and accountability among its leaders, stressing that the blood of the innocent must no longer be spilled in the name of freedom.
He concluded with a somber reflection, stating that nearly every family in the South-East has suffered from abductions, killings, or other tragedies real losses that must not be dismissed or politicized.
Simon Ekpa was sentenced to six years in prison by a Finnish court after being found guilty of terrorism-related offences.
The charges included participation in a terrorist organisation, incitement to commit terrorist acts, aggravated tax fraud, and violations of the Lawyers Act. His conviction followed a 12-session trial, during which judges unanimously ruled against him.
The Nigerian government has acknowledged the verdict. Minister of Information Mohammed Idris confirmed that the case is under review and that the government may seek Ekpa’s repatriation.
Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi (SAN) stated that further legal action will follow the review. Ekpa, however, has denied all charges.
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