The Biafra Republic Government in Exile has removed Simon Ekpa from his position as leader while he remains in detention in Finland.
A statement issued announced that Ogechukwu Nkere had been installed as the new Prime Minister of the BRGIE, replacing Ekpa.
The statement revealed that Nkere’s appointment was ratified through a unanimous cabinet decision taken on January 14, 2026.
“The Honorable Ogechukwu Nkere has been elected Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile following a unanimous cabinet vote on January 14, 2026.
“He takes over from Simon Ekpa Njoku, who was relieved of his duties by the cabinet,” the announcement stated.
Nkere had been functioning as Acting Prime Minister since December 2024, when Ekpa was taken into custody in Finland.
His previous roles within the organization include serving as finance minister and the group’s long-standing representative in Washington, DC, where he engaged with American authorities and the BRGIE’s lobby team.
“During his tenure in the United States, Nkere held discussions with key government figures, including Senator Ted Cruz and House Speaker Mike Johnson, who occupies the second position in the U.S. presidential succession order,” the statement added.
It would be recalled that Ekpa, a Biafran activist, received a prison sentence in Finland on September 1, 2025.