Simon Ekpa has been removed as the leader of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) following his detention in Finland, with Ogechukwu Nkere announced as his replacement.
In a statement issued on Thursday, BRGIE disclosed that Nkere was unanimously elected by its cabinet on January 14, 2026, to serve as the new Prime Minister, succeeding Ekpa, who was relieved of his position by the cabinet.
“Ogechukwu Nkere was unanimously elected by the cabinet of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE) to serve as Prime Minister, succeeding Simon Ekpa Njoku,” the statement read.
The statement noted that Nkere had been serving as Acting Prime Minister since December 2024, following Ekpa’s detention in Finland. He previously held the position of BRGIE’s Minister of Finance and also served as the organisation’s long-time representative in Washington, DC.
During his time in the United States, Nkere reportedly worked closely with BRGIE lobbyists and engaged with U.S. government officials, including Senator Ted Cruz and Speaker of the House Mike Johnson.
Ekpa, a Biafran separatist figure, was sentenced in Finland on September 1, 2025, a development that prompted leadership changes within the exile government.