Simon Ekpa Sues Former Ally Ngozie Orabueze in U.S. Over Alleged Hijack of IPOB Members’ Database

Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed prime minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), has filed a lawsuit in the United States against his former ally, Ngozie Orabueze, accusing her of orchestrating a hostile takeover of the separatist group and stealing sensitive data belonging to members of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) across the U.S. and Europe.

The suit was filed on May 29, 2025, at the United States District Court for the District of Columbia by Arman Dabiri, a U.S.-based attorney who represents BRGIE and Mr Ekpa. Ms Orabueze was named as the lead defendant alongside 14 others, including Ada Ezeh, Ugbonna Christian Olejemah, and Uchenna Objijiaku. Also listed were Diana Emeh Solomon Nkwocha, Ijeoma Eze, Ulo Ogbonna, Nariel Offomah, and the de facto corporation of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile.

According to court filings, tensions began in December 2024 when Ms Orabueze declared herself “acting deputy prime minister” and “head of state” of BRGIE. She then allegedly transferred key assets—including membership records and official documents—from Finland, where Mr Ekpa is based, to the United States, without authorization. The suit claims Ms Orabueze terminated contracts, dismissed members, and moved to establish a rival faction.

On January 5, 2025, Ms Orabueze reportedly formalized her new group by registering the “United States of Biafra-Biafra Republic Government in Exile-Defacto Corp” in Georgia. Despite her breakaway, she allegedly continued to use BRGIE’s intellectual property, including logos and official materials, as well as attempting to retain services from the group’s legal and lobbying firms, including Moran Global Strategies and the Law Offices of Arman Dabiri & Associates.

The lawsuit accuses Ms Orabueze of fraud, misappropriation, and the unauthorized use of BRGIE’s database, trademarks, and resources. Mr Dabiri claims the actions led to an estimated \$500,000 in financial and property losses. The court is being asked to award \$1.7 million in damages and additional sums for prejudgment interest, legal fees, and punitive damages.

Mr Ekpa remains in pre-trial detention in Finland on charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent. His case, being heard in the Päijät-Häme District Court, resumed in May and is ongoing. Calls continue for the Nigerian government to seek his extradition, given his association with IPOB leader Nnamdi Kanu and his involvement in pro-Biafran activism abroad.