JUST IN: Donors Supporting Simon Ekpa Guilty Of Terrorism, Say Lawyers
Legal experts have indicated that individuals who donate money to Simon Ekpa could face charges related to terrorism. Even after the Finnish police detained the separatist leader, some members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra continue to urge people to contribute funds.
In a video shared on X, captioned ” Biafra Freedom. Vote, Donate, Support BRGIE, ” by the alleged Minister of Information for the banned organization, @Akparawasunny, a woman named Ada Biafra claimed in a live video that Ekpa would return the following week.
She stated, ” There’ s a flier with information about the donation. We are buying groundnuts (bullets) for our brave men, because no groundnut that goes out comes back in. We need to refill, ” she explained.
One X user, @kingchuks01, expressed, ” Regardless of their opinions, we must discuss Biafra and achieve it. ”
In contrast, another user, @Chrismo80164240, questioned, ” You shouldn’ t be talking about donations if you’ re serious about the December 2nd declaration. It sounds like a scam to me. By the way, what exactly are you donating for? ”
Another user, @realdonpri, remarked, ” Let him stay there and experience the same suffering that those poor people in the Southeast feel every Monday. It’ s easy to incite violence from the comfort of your home. I have no sympathy for him. He’ s arrogant and can never represent Biafra. ”
Additionally, another user, @nwaEleberi, called Ekpa a ” fraudster and a known terrorist, ” urging his followers to demand accountability from him, stating he has been enjoying an extravagant lifestyle.
In an interview with Sunday PUNCH, Senior Advocate of Nigeria Kunle Edun clarified that individuals who finance terrorism are culpable.
He explained, ” Sections 2, 21, and 22 of the Act explicitly prohibit terrorism and its financing in Nigeria. Anyone who financially supports or provides resources, services, or facilities to individuals knowingly involved in terrorist activities is equally guilty. Offenses under the Terrorism Act can lead to life imprisonment, and if death occurs during the act, the death penalty may apply. An attempt to commit such offenses also constitutes a crime under the Act. It’ s essential to prove the suspects’ intent to commit or support acts of terrorism.
” This raises serious concerns regarding the alleged crowdfunding organized by Simon Ekpa, where donors reportedly provided funds. If evidence— be it direct or circumstantial— shows that these donors were aware or should have been aware of the purpose of the crowdfunding and Ekpa’ s activities, they could potentially be charged with financing terrorism. Hence, a thorough investigation is necessary to gather such evidence, as the burden of proof lies with the prosecution. ”
Legal practitioner Ayo Ademiluyi stated that those contributing to Ekpa’ s cause are essentially terrorists since the organization has been designated as such.
” Given that IPOB and any other secessionist groups have been declared terrorist organizations, any funding directed toward them constitutes evidence of that crime. In this context, crowdfunding acts as an accessory to the offense, as the organization is labeled a terrorist entity, ” he said.
Another legal expert, Eze Onyekpere, emphasized that those financing Ekpa are supporting terrorism.
” This is akin to funding Boko Haram or the terrorists in the northwest, ” he noted.
Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, encouraged the federal government to pursue constructive dialogues with community and youth leaders to foster peace in the Southeast.
