About 27 cells has been traced to the members of the Indigenous People of Biafra in 22 countries across the world including Europe and USA. This was discovered through an investigation by the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit.
In a document issued out to public, the Intelligence Unit called out the United States of America and the United Kingdom for having the largest numbers of these IPOB cells per country, with seven and six operating IPOB cells respectively in both countries.
Recall that the last administration under former President GN Muhamadu Buhari Rtd, in 2017 labeled and designated the IPOB as a self-determination group and a terrorist organization, while its leader Nnmadi Kanu, still at the DSS custody on terrorism charges by the State.
In the document titled “Counter Terrorism Financial Newsletter,” the NFIU critically tracked 54 running cells of IPOB members across the world.”
The NFIU revealed through the document that the diaspora affiliates of the proscribed group have spread across the globe. meanwhile, analysis has exposed 27 entities across the world registered in the name of the group, emphasizing the US and its counterpart UK as having the highest number of registrations, with seven and six registered entities, respectively.
“The analysis further indicates that the group has several bank accounts in different countries where funds are being received from various contributors with the narrations ‘Monthly Dues, Services and for ESN’, among others, then later disbursed for various operations.”
“It was confirmed that one of the major sources of revenue for the group is crowdfunding by several individuals abroad, mostly Nigerians.”
Furthermore, the document stated that over $160,000 was issued for Transmission, Media, and Broadcasting in Bulgaria, South Africa, likewise the United Kingdom. The analysis also provides us with the name of the group leader, his address, and mobile numbers abroad with the other 53 individuals associated with the dissident group. The report was forwarded to Law Enforcement for further investigation.
The Financial Unit also claims that betting platforms are also identified as ‘XC’ reported a transaction involving a 24-year Nigerian customer from North-Central, Nigeria.
This 24-year-old from Nigeria’s North-Central region received over N350,000 in his betting wallet, believed to be ransom money from a kidnapping,” the NFIU said.
In addition, the report clearly stated that the Agency would adopt alternative methods of travel whenever any individual exceeded his withdrawal limit, explaining a scenario where a terrorist attempted suspicious transfers exceeding €1,000 to a local charity with potential links to terrorism. These transactions, along with others for luxury goods and escort services, raised red flags,” the newsletter stated.
The Agency has tasked law enforcement agencies to investigate transactions by persons linked to terrorists or financiers unauthorised tax collection or forced donations in terrorism-prone areas and Bureau de Change operators facilitating transfers within suspected networks.
