NFIU Uncovers IPOB’s UK, US Cells, $160,000 Payments

In a recent development, the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit has uncovered 27 cells reportedly belonging to the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra, IPOB in 22 countries across the globe, including the USA, the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

The NFIU said the US and the UK house the largest numbers of these IPOB cells per country, with seven and six operating IPOB cells respectively in both countries.

Details of the development were revealed in a newsletter exposing the funding of terror activities in Nigeria by IPOB, bandits, and other terror groups through global crowdfunding and on sports betting platforms.

The Federal Government had in 2017 proscribed IPOB and designated the self-determination group a terrorist organisation.

Its leader, Nnmadi Kanu, is currently being tried on terrorism charges by the government.

The NFIU, in the document, titled “Counter Terrorism Financial Newsletter,” linked the running of IPOB to 54 individuals across the globe.

It was confirmed that one of the major sources of revenue for the group is crowdfunding by several individuals abroad, mostly Nigerians.

The unit also observed that over $160,000 was disbursed to Transmission, Media, and Broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the United Kingdom.

The analysis profiled the leader of the group, his addresses, and mobile numbers abroad with other 53 individuals associated with the dissident group.

The report has been  forwarded to Law Enforcement for further investigation.