The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has leveled serious allegations against the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), claiming the group is financing its terrorist activities through unconventional means. According to the NFIU's Counter-Financing of Terrorism Department, IPOB has been receiving funds through sports betting platforms and global crowdfunding initiatives.
The agency revealed that IPOB affiliates in 22 countries have registered at least 27 entities under the group's name, with significant financial transactions detected in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Bulgaria, and South Africa. The NFIU highlighted one instance where IPOB allegedly raised over $160,000 through crowdfunding, channeling the funds to transmission, media, and broadcasting companies in multiple countries.
Additionally, the agency flagged suspicious transactions involving a Nigerian individual who received ransom money through a betting platform and a terrorist who attempted to evade detection by making structured cash withdrawals and engaging in suspicious financial transfers.
The NFIU has urged law enforcement agencies to investigate individuals linked to known terrorists or financiers and to closely monitor financial activities in terrorism-prone areas, including unauthorized tax collections and forced donations.
