Legal experts have warned that individuals donating funds to Simon Ekpa could face charges of terrorism.

Despite the Finnish police’s detention of the separatist leader, some members of the banned Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) are still urging people to contribute money.

In a video shared on X, titled “Biafra Freedom. Vote, Donate, Support BRGIE,” the group’s purported Minister of Information, @Akparawasunny, on Saturday featured a woman identified as Ada Biafra, who claimed Ekpa would return next week. She said, “A flier is there our supporters (a flier that contains the information about the donation). We are buying groundnuts (bullets) for the gallant men, because no groundnut that goes out comes back in. We need to refill,” she explained.

On X, @kingchuks01 declared, “Whether they like or not we must talk about Biafra and we must achieve Biafra.”

In response, @Chrismo80164240 commented, “You shouldn’t be talking about donation if truly you guys are serious about December 2nd declaration. I only see it as scam. By the way let me ask you, donate to do what with the money?”

Meanwhile, @realdonpri wrote, “Let him stay there so he can feel the same pain those poor people in SE has been feeling every Monday. It’s easy to stay at the comfort of yout home and insight violence. I have zero sympathy for him. He’s very arrogant & can neva b the face of Biafra.”

Another user, @nwaEleberi, posted, “@simon_ekpa is ordained fraudster & a known terrorist! All his foolish followers must demand accountability from him! He has been busy drinking expensive champagne & living large!”

Kunle Edun, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), stated that anyone funding terrorism is guilty of an offense. He explained, “Sections 2, 21 and 22 of the Act are clear that terrorism and financing of terrorism are prohibited in Nigeria. Any person that financially supports or makes his resources, services or facilities available to persons knowingly engaged in terrorist activities is equally liable and offense under the Terrorism Act can attract up to the maximum life imprisonment but if death occurs while committing the act, death penalty will apply. An attempt to do any of the foregoing is equally an offense under the Act. It is critical that the intent of the suspects must be proved to commit or support acts of terrorism.”

He continued, “It is in this wise, that the alleged crowdfunding organised by Simon Ekpa whereby donors were said to have made funds available to him, becomes very concerning. If it is established either by direct or circumstantial evidence that the donors were aware or ought to have been aware of the purpose of the crowdfunding and the activities of Simon Ekpa they could be charged for financing terrorism. Therefore, a thorough investigation will be required to gather these evidence, as the burden is on the Prosecution to prove the charge.”

Ayo Ademiluyi, a legal practitioner, emphasized that donations to Ekpa’s cause could be considered evidence of terrorism, as IPOB has been designated a terrorist organization.

“By virtue of the declaration of IPOB and any other secessionist groups as terrorist organisations, any funding to it constitutes evidence of that crime. So, in this case, crowdfunding is an accessory to the fact. This is because the organisation has been labelled as a terrorist organisation,” he said.

Eze Onyekpere, another legal practitioner, compared the funding of Ekpa’s cause to supporting other terrorist groups, saying, “This is just like somebody funding Boko Haram or the terrorists in the northwest.”

Additionally, Okechukwu Nwanguma, Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre, called on the federal government to engage in constructive dialogue with community and youth leaders in the Southeast to promote peace.

In a bid to tackle drug-related crimes, the National Assembly has amended the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) Act, introducing life imprisonment for drug offenders and traffickers.

This comes after the Senate and House of Representatives adopted the harmonised report on the amendment.

Senator Tahir Monguno, Chairman of the Senate Conference Committee, presented the report, highlighting that the amendment introduces stricter penalties to deter drug-related crimes.

“Any person who unlawfully engages in the storage, custody, movement, carriage or concealment of dangerous drugs or controlled substances and, while doing so, is armed with an offensive weapon or disguised in any manner, commits an offence under this Act and is liable, upon conviction, to life imprisonment,” Monguno said.

The Senate approved the amendment through a voice vote during Thursday’s plenary, which was presided over by Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin.

In addition, the Senate passed the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation, and Fiscal Commission Bill, 2024, aimed at replacing the 2004 RMAFC Act. Yahaya Abdullahi, Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs, stressed the need for the commission’s reform, citing Nigeria’s declining revenue and increasing population.

“The Act, last revised over 20 years ago, no longer reflects Nigeria’s evolving economic realities. This bill proposes additional funding and a restructured operational framework for the commission to improve its efficiency,” Abdullahi explained.

He further emphasised the need for adequate funding from the Federation Account for the RMAFC to effectively carry out its constitutional duties.

The bill, passed after deliberations and a majority vote, now awaits President Bola Tinubu’s assent to become law.

The Enugu State Government has expressed its readiness and willingness to provide evidence to assist in the prosecution of Simon Ekpa, who was arrested in Finland on Thursday over allegations of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria.

Enugu State Government made this offer in a statement released by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, on Friday.

In the statement, the Enugu State Government also commended the Government of the Republic of Finland for the arrest of Ekpa, whom it described as “the Finland-based leader of the criminal gang, Autopilots.”

The Enugu State Government further referred to Simon Ekpa as “a common criminal, con man, and terrorist, who has no interest of Igbo people at heart.”

It added that Ekpa “is a murderer and fraudster, who delights in killing his people and living large off their misery.”

“Enugu State was ready and willing to provide evidence of Ekpa-sponsored atrocities against Ndigbo to aid his trial and conviction, whether in Finland or Nigeria.”

“The Enugu State Government welcomes the arrest of the Finland-based terrorist, Simon Ekpa.”

“His arrest and trial will no doubt go a long way in strengthening peace, security, and stability in all parts of the South East.”

“This arrest is in line with the demand of Governor Peter Mbah Administration, which has repeatedly made it known that Ekpa is a megalomaniac, common criminal, murderer, and fraudster, who takes joy in feeding fat on the manipulated emotions of Ndigbo and inflicting misery on the South East region.”

“Ekpa has for long, and unfortunately from Finland, made a living by creating a siege climate and mentality in the South East, destroying lives, property, and the Igbo trademark of entrepreneurship and hard work.”

“He thrives on manipulating, exploiting, and extorting the people on the pretext of fighting for their interest and for the restoration of Biafra,” the government said.

Ekpa was arrested and detained alongside four other suspects by the government of Finland on charges of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria, according to local newspapers in the European country.