Biafra Government-in-Exile Disowns Ogechukwu Nkere as Simon Ekpa’s Successor, Calls Him ‘Impostor’

The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has rejected Ogechukwu Nkere as “Prime Minister” and successor to Simon Ekpa, describing him as an impostor with no mandate to speak for Biafrans. In a statement signed by Deputy Prime Minister Dr Ngozi Orabueze, the group said Nkere lacks legitimacy and accused him of past criminal conduct, calling his emergence a deliberate attempt to sow division. BRGIE insisted there is no leadership crisis, reaffirming its succession line from Ojukwu to Nnamdi Kanu to Ekpa, and warned individuals and groups against engaging with “unauthorised” figures.

Simon Ekpa Ousted: Hon. Ogechukwu Nkere Elected New Prime Minister of Biafra Government-in-Exile

The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has elected Honorable Ogechukwu Nkere as its new Prime Minister, succeeding Simon Ekpa Njoku, who was relieved of his duties. Nkere, who previously served as Acting Prime Minister since Ekpa’s detention in Finland in 2024, has long held key roles in the organisation, including Finance Minister and international representative in Washington, DC. Ekpa was convicted in Finland in 2025 for inciting terrorism and promoting Biafra’s independence through illegal means. Nkere’s formal election on January 14, 2026, signals a leadership shift and continuity in BRGIE’s operations abroad.

DoJ Document Links Pro-Biafra Groups to U.S. ‘Christian Genocide’ Campaign.

Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) show that a coalition of pro-Biafra groups is behind the campaign alleging a “Christian genocide in Nigeria,” a narrative that helped prompt former U.S. President Donald Trump to label Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern.

U.S. Senator Ted Cruz recently accused the Nigerian government of enabling a “massacre” of Christians, saying in a video on X: “There is no country on earth where Christians are more persecuted than Nigeria.” He claimed Boko Haram & extremist groups have killed over 50,000 Christians since 2009 & destroyed more than 20,000 churches & schools.

DoJ filings under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA) link the campaign to the United States of Biafra, which includes the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE).

The filings show that BRGIE’s U.S. representative, Moran Global Strategies, led by former Congressman Jim Moran, has established ties with Cruz’s office.

Documents reviewed by The Guardian reveal that BRGIE members signed a declaration in Lahti, Finland, on December 2, 2024, claiming Nigeria is carrying out a “genocidal onslaught” against Biafrans and Christians. Signatories include diaspora figure Simon Ekpa—now jailed in Finland for torrorism-related offences—Dr Ngozi Orabueze, and Diane Emeh.

While the movement pushes Biafra’s secession, its messaging is tailored to American conservative audiences, arguing that supporting Biafra would counter China’s influence and protect Christians “under siege.” The filings outline organised activities such as fundraising, political statements and diaspora mobilisation.

The documents also mention an internal vote held between February and November 2024, after which the group declared the “Restored Independence of the United States of Biafra,” claiming authority over “40 states.”

Security analysts warn that framing separatist advocacy as evidence of genocide could inflame ethnic tensions and distort international perceptions. 

Former Foreign Affairs Minister Bolaji Akinyemi has also cautioned that such claims may harm Nigeria’s global reputation.

Finland Begins Terrorism Trial Against Biafran Separatist Leader Simon Ekpa

Simon Ekpa, a Nigerian-born Finnish citizen and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), appeared before the Päijät-Häme District Court in Finland on Friday, May 30, 2025, as his terrorism trial commenced. 

Finnish prosecutors have charged Ekpa with participating in a terrorist organization and publicly inciting crimes for terrorist purposes. The charges stem from allegations that he used social media platforms to incite violence and unrest in southeastern Nigeria as part of his separatist activities.  

Prosecutors are seeking a six-year prison sentence, citing substantial evidence of Ekpa’s online activities and communications. Ekpa has denied all charges, including allegations of ordering weapons for pro-Biafra groups.  

The trial has garnered significant attention both in Finland and Nigeria, with supporters and critics closely monitoring the proceedings.

#SimonEkpa #Biafra #FinlandTrial #TerrorismCharges #BRGIE

https://x.com/nigeriastories/status/1928468696613220669?s=46