The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) disclosed the purported financing of terrorist activities in Nigeria by the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), bandits, and other extremist groups through global crowdfunding and sports betting platforms.
The financial intelligence unit uncovered how IPOB received financial support via affiliates in 22 countries, where a minimum of 27 entities were registered under the group’s name.
The NFIU highlighted that seven of these registrations were made in the United States, with an additional six in the United Kingdom.
Furthermore, it was revealed that over $160,000 raised by IPOB through crowdfunding was channeled to transmission, media, and broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the UK.
The NFIU noted, “The analysis further indicates that the group (IPOB) 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.”
These details were disclosed in a newsletter by the NFIU’s Counter-Financing of Terrorism Department, obtained by our correspondent on Tuesday.
