By Steven Atokolo
Biafran separatist leader Simon Ekpa, currently detained in Finland, has introduced two new bills aimed at addressing rising insecurity in Nigeria’s South-East region. Despite his incarceration, Ekpa continues to exert control over the self-proclaimed United States of Biafra (USB), showcasing the power of remote leadership in modern political movements.
Ekpa’s announcement comes amid fresh violence in the South-East, particularly in Nkalaha community, where over 20 civilians were recently killed. The proposed laws—the Right to Bear Arms and Self-Defense Act 27/2025 and the Arms Manufacturing Bill Act 28/2025—aim to empower Biafrans to defend themselves against escalating threats.
Ekpa’s detention in Finland, linked to allegations of inciting violence in Nigeria, has done little to stifle his influence. Through virtual cabinet meetings, he continues to steer the Biafran movement, demonstrating a defiance that resonates with his supporters.
According to Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, Deputy Prime Minister and Chief of Staff of USB, who released the statement via X (formerly Twitter), the bills are critical to protecting Biafran communities. “Self-defense is fundamental to the security of liberty and a free state. The right of the people to keep and bear arms for defending themselves and the state shall not be infringed,” she declared.
The Arms Manufacturing Bill goes a step further, proposing the establishment of local arms production facilities to ensure Biafra’s self-reliance in defense. “The United States of Biafra must secure the means to locally produce defensive weapons to safeguard its people,” the statement added.
Ekpa’s legislative push follows a damning report from the International Society for Civil Liberties and Rule of Law (Intersociety), which revealed that 180 people were killed in the South-East between December 2024 and January 2025. The deaths were attributed to both state security forces and non-state actors operating in the region.
The Nigerian government has remained conspicuously silent on these reports, failing to address the violence or provide security assurances to affected communities. This silence has only deepened distrust in the government and strengthened separatist sentiments among Biafrans.
While Ekpa’s supporters hail him as a steadfast leader fighting for Biafran autonomy, critics argue that his tactics risk further destabilizing the region. Human rights organizations have accused him of inciting violence, while political analysts warn that his calls for armed resistance could spiral into widespread conflict.
Calls for Ekpa’s extradition to Nigeria have intensified, with critics linking him to the growing violence in the South-East. However, his continued legislative activities from Finland highlight the challenges of curbing the influence of diaspora leaders in separatist movements.
Ekpa’s new laws mark a significant shift in the Biafran movement’s approach, from advocacy to direct calls for armed self-defense. Whether these measures will lead to greater security for Biafrans or further violence remains to be seen.
As Ekpa governs from abroad, his actions continue to spark debate and division, not just in Nigeria but globally. His leadership, even from a detention cell, underscores the complexities of modern separatist movements and the enduring struggle for Biafran independence.
