Legal experts have issued strong warnings that individuals who provide financial support to Simon Ekpa, the detained leader of the separatist group Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), could face serious legal consequences, including charges of terrorism.
Ekpa, who was recently apprehended by Finnish authorities, continues to receive backing from certain IPOB members, some of whom are actively fundraising to support his cause.
In a video shared on social media platform X, the purported Minister of Information for the banned IPOB group, @Akparawasunny, posted a message urging supporters to “Vote, Donate, Support BRGIE” for the Biafra cause. The video featured a woman named Ada Biafra, who assured viewers that Ekpa would return shortly. She also referenced a flyer promoting the donation campaign, explaining that the money was being used to buy “groundnuts” (a code for bullets) for the group’s fighters, as “no groundnut that goes out comes back in.”
This fundraising campaign has stirred controversy on social media, with mixed reactions from users. While some users are vocal in their support for Biafra and Ekpa’s cause, others have criticized the donations as fraudulent. One commenter questioned the legitimacy of the campaign, asking, “Donate to do what with the money?”
Legal experts have pointed out that funding terrorist activities is a serious offense under Nigerian law. Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Kunle Edun, emphasized that the financing of terrorism is prohibited by the Terrorism (Prevention) Act. He explained that any individual who knowingly provides financial support or resources to those engaged in terrorist activities could face severe penalties, including life imprisonment. If a death occurs during the commission of the act, the death penalty could apply.
Edun further highlighted the concerns raised by the alleged crowdfunding efforts associated with Ekpa, suggesting that if it is proven that donors were aware, or should have been aware, of the terrorist nature of the activities they were supporting, they could also be charged with financing terrorism. He stressed that a thorough investigation would be required to gather sufficient evidence to support such charges.
Ayo Ademiluyi, another legal expert, reinforced this position, noting that since IPOB has been designated a terrorist organization by the Nigerian government, any funding provided to the group constitutes support for terrorism. Ademiluyi described crowdfunding efforts for IPOB as an accessory to terrorism, further emphasizing that those involved in such actions could face prosecution.
Eze Onyekpere, another legal practitioner, also condemned the funding of Ekpa’s activities, equating it to providing support to groups like Boko Haram or other terrorist organizations operating in northern Nigeria. He stated that funding Ekpa and his separatist activities directly contributes to the spread of terrorism.
In conclusion, legal professionals are urging for a comprehensive investigation into the financial networks supporting Simon Ekpa’s cause, warning that those found guilty of funding terrorism could face severe criminal penalties.
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