Simon Ekpa’s Loyalists Insist Sit-at-Home Protests Will Continue Despite His Arrest

Loyalists of Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), have asserted that his arrest will not halt the sit-at-home protests observed on Mondays in Nigeria’s Southeast region.

The Guardian Nigeria reported that Ngozi Orabueze, a staunch supporter of Ekpa and the self-declared Chief of Staff in the BRGIE, made the claim following Ekpa’s detention by Finnish authorities on charges related to terrorism and violence. Despite the arrest, Orabueze reiterated her unwavering support for the controversial protests, which she described as a collective decision by Biafrans.

Ekpa, known for his advocacy of the sit-at-home directive, claims the protests are in solidarity with Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Ekpa has frequently used social media to promote the enforcement of the sit-at-home order, often linking it to violent incidents in the region.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian government is reportedly pursuing Ekpa’s extradition, despite his Finnish citizenship.

In a recent post on X, Orabueze expressed gratitude to the Finnish government, accusing Nigerian authorities, including President Bola Tinubu, of terrorism and human rights abuses. She praised Finland for what she described as shielding Ekpa from the Nigerian government, which she labeled as oppressive.

Orabueze also confirmed that plans are underway for Biafrans worldwide to gather in Finland on December 2 for the “Biafra Independence Re-Declaration.” She emphasized that the Monday sit-at-home protests across Biafraland, allegedly voluntary, would persist.

She went on to commend the Biafra Defence Forces for purportedly combating what she described as “terrorists disguised as Nigerian army and police personnel.” Additionally, she accused the Nigerian government of gross human rights violations, forced disappearances, and the killing of peaceful protesters, allegations she claims have been documented and shared with the Finnish government.

According to Orabueze, these claims have highlighted breaches of international human rights laws by Nigeria, further galvanizing global support for the Biafran cause.