Amidst ongoing investigations into alleged separatist activities, legal experts have cautioned that individuals who contribute financially to Simon Ekpa, a pro-Biafra figure currently detained in Finland, could face terrorism charges. Ekpa’s supporters, including members of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), have continued soliciting donations despite his detention, raising alarms among legal practitioners.
In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter) under the caption “Biafra Freedom. Vote, Donate, Support BRGIE,” an individual identified as Ada Biafra encouraged supporters to contribute funds for “groundnuts,” a slang term often used to signify bullets, to aid “gallant men” on the frontlines. Her statements, along with further endorsements of the crowdfunding campaign, have fuelled significant online debate over the implications of such donations.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun clarified the legal risks facing contributors. “Under Nigeria’s Terrorism Act, Sections 2, 21, and 22 expressly prohibit terrorism financing,” he said. “Any individual knowingly providing financial resources to support terrorist activities could be prosecuted and face severe penalties, including life imprisonment or even the death penalty if the actions result in death.”
Edun highlighted that the intent behind these donations must be proven, yet he added that if it’s established that donors knowingly supported Ekpa’s agenda, they could face charges of terrorism financing. “Thorough investigation is critical here, as the prosecution bears the responsibility of proving the intent behind these contributions,” he stressed.
Other legal voices echoed Edun’s warnings. Ayo Ademiluyi, a Nigerian legal practitioner, argued that given IPOB’s proscribed status, crowdfunding initiatives for the group could serve as evidence of criminal involvement. “IPOB and other secessionist organisations are legally regarded as terrorist entities, meaning that any funding for their activities directly implicates donors in terrorism,” Ademiluyi explained.
Eze Onyekpere, another legal expert, reinforced these concerns, drawing parallels with other insurgent groups in Nigeria. “Supporting Ekpa’s activities is tantamount to funding organisations like Boko Haram or violent groups in the northwest,” he said, underlining the legal gravity of providing financial assistance to banned groups.
Meanwhile, calls for constructive engagement have emerged from civil society. Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, urged the federal government to consider a diplomatic approach. “There is a pressing need for constructive dialogues involving community leaders and young people in the Southeast,” he remarked, highlighting the potential of peaceful resolution to address longstanding regional grievances.
With Ekpa’s case drawing international attention, the legal consequences for his backers underscore the risks of involvement in proscribed movements. As the investigation continues, Nigeria’s courts may soon be called upon to define the line between ideological support and criminal complicity.
