Legal experts claim that individuals financially backing Simon Ekpa may face terrorism charges, citing their complicity in his alleged actions.
According to legal experts, those who contribute financially to Simon Ekpa may face charges related to terrorism.
Even with the separatist leader’s detention by Finnish police, certain members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra persist in encouraging people to contribute money.
In a video shared on X by the user @Akparawasunny, who claims to be the Minister of Information for the banned group, and captioned “Biafra Freedom. Vote, Donate, Support BRGIE,” a woman identifying herself as Ada Biafra stated in a live stream viewed by our correspondent that Ekpa would return next week. This post was made on Saturday.
“Our supporters have a flyer with information about the donation. We’re purchasing groundnuts (bullets) for our brave men, because once those groundnuts go out, they don’t come back. We need to replenish,” she explained.
A user on X, @kingchuks01, shared the message: “We must discuss Biafra and work towards achieving it, regardless of others’ opinions.”
In response, another X user, @Chrismo80164240, commented: “If you’re genuinely committed to the December 2nd declaration, you shouldn’t be discussing donations. To me, it seems like a scam. By the way, what exactly do you plan to do with the money?”
Another X user, @realdonpri, shared a post saying: “Let him remain there so he can experience the same suffering that those poor people in SE endure every Monday. It’s easy to stay at home and incite violence. I have no sympathy for him; he’s very arrogant and could never be the face of Biafra.”
In a different post, user @nwaEleberi wrote, “@simon_ekpa is an established fraudster and recognized terrorist! His misguided followers should hold him accountable! He’s been indulging in expensive champagne and living lavishly!”
Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, stated that individuals who finance terrorism are guilty.
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He stated that Sections 2, 21, and 22 of the Act clearly prohibit terrorism and its financing in Nigeria. Anyone who provides financial support or makes their resources, services, or facilities available to those knowingly involved in terrorist activities is also culpable. Offenses under the Terrorism Act can result in a maximum sentence of life imprisonment; however, if death occurs during the act’s commission, the death penalty may be imposed. Attempting any such actions is likewise an offense under this legislation. It is essential to demonstrate that suspects intended to commit or aid acts of terrorism.
In this context, the reported crowdfunding initiative led by Simon Ekpa raises significant concerns. If it can be proven through direct or indirect evidence that the donors knew or should have known about the purpose of the crowdfunding and Simon Ekpa’s activities, they could potentially face charges for financing terrorism. Consequently, a comprehensive investigation is necessary to collect this evidence, as it is up to the prosecution to substantiate these charges.
Ayo Ademiluyi, a legal practitioner, stated that individuals contributing to Ekpa’s cause are essentially terrorists since the organization has been banned.
He stated, “Since IPOB and other secessionist groups have been declared terrorist organizations, providing them with funding is considered evidence of that crime. Consequently, in this situation, crowdfunding serves as an accessory to the fact because these groups are labeled as terrorist organizations.”
Eze Onyekpere, another legal expert, claimed that individuals financing Ekpa were aiding terrorism.
He compared it to someone providing support for Boko Haram or the terrorists in the northwest.
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, Okechukwu Nwanguma, also urged the federal government to engage in constructive dialogues with community and youth leaders to foster peace in Southeast.
