The federal government has shared insights into the source of funding of terrorism by the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU), formerly a department under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, made this known via its newsletter, according to Daily Trust.
Citing the report on Counter-Financing of Terrorism, the publication said the separatists’ group is funding its terrorism activities through sports betting platforms and global crowdfunding.
It also listed bandits and other terrorists’ associations of finding funding in similar manners, adding that IPOB has a way of receiving funds through affiliates in 22 countries that have registered at least 27 entities under the group’s name.
These 27 entities’ registrations, according to NFIU’s account were made in the United States, while six were in the United Kingdom.
It reportedly said further that over $160,000 was also raised by IPOB through crowd-funding and it was funnelled to transmission, media and broadcasting companies in Bulgaria, South Africa, and the UK.
Quoting the newsletter verbatim, the publication wrote, “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.
“The analysis profiled the leader of the group, his addresses and mobile numbers abroad, with other 53 other individuals associated with the dissident group. The report was forwarded to law enforcement for further investigation.”
