Documents from the U.S. Department of Justice reveal that a coalition of pro-Biafra groups, including Simon Ekpa, is behind a campaign portraying Nigeria as committing “Christian genocide,” influencing U.S. political decisions.
Documents obtained from the United States Department of Justice (DoJ) reveal that a coalition of pro-Biafra groups is orchestrating a campaign portraying Nigeria as committing “Christian genocide,” according to a report from THE GUARDIAN. The filings, submitted under the U.S. Foreign Agents Registration Act (FARA), identify the United States of Biafra, the Biafra Republic Government in Exile (BRGIE), and the Biafra De Facto Government in the Homeland as key actors.
The documents indicate these diaspora groups, including Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen and prime minister of the movement, have lobbied U.S. officials, influencing President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). Ekpa, who is serving a six-year jail term in Finland on terrorism-related charges, is listed as coordinator of the declared Biafra transition government.
U.S. Senator Ted Cruz is cited saying, “There is no country on earth where Christians are more persecuted than Nigeria,” alleging that over 50,000 Christians have been killed since 2009 and 20,000 churches and schools destroyed. The filings show messaging aimed at U.S. conservative audiences, arguing that supporting Biafra counters China’s influence in Africa and protects Christians “under siege.”
Former Foreign Affairs Minister Bolaji Akinyemi warned that claims of genocide could damage Nigeria’s global reputation and diplomatic ties with the U.S. Analysts note such campaigns risk inflaming ethnic tensions and shaping international perceptions through selective narratives.