Biafra Government-in-Exile Elects New Prime Minister Following Simon Ekpa Conviction

The Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) has appointed Honorable Ogechukwu Nkere as its new Prime Minister, following the removal of Simon Ekpa from the position.

The BRGIE announced in a statement Thursday that Nkere was unanimously elected by its cabinet on January 14, 2026. The statement emphasized that Nkere had already been a key leader within the organization prior to his formal election.

“Hon. Nkere previously served as Acting Prime Minister and de facto leader of the BRGIE since December 2024, after the detention of former Prime Minister Simon Ekpa in Finland,” the statement said.

Nkere has held several important roles within BRGIE, including Finance Minister and the group’s longtime representative in Washington, DC, where he liaised with U.S. officials and coordinated the organization’s international interests.

The leadership change follows Ekpa’s conviction in 2025 by Finland’s Päijät-Häme District Court. He was sentenced to six years in prison on charges of inciting terrorism, with court findings stating he promoted Biafra’s independence through illegal means between 2021 and 2024.

With Nkere now formally in office, BRGIE is expected to continue its operations abroad under new leadership, while maintaining its administrative and diplomatic activities.