Two Minnesota men were arrested Friday morning for allegedly funding and directing violent attacks in Cameroon from their U.S. homes.
The federal indictment charges Benedict Nwana Kuah, 51, and Pascal Kikishy Wongbi, 52, with organizing kidnappings, bombings, and killings as leaders of the Ambazonia Defense Forces, a separatist militia in their native country.
Both naturalized citizens allegedly used Minnesota as their base to finance weapons purchases and direct attacks that terrorized civilians.
“The defendants are charged with using the United States as a base of operations to finance and direct kidnappings, bombings, and killings in Cameroon,” Acting Assistant Attorney General Matthew R. Galeotti said in a press release. “Their alleged conduct caused death, terror, and suffering among innocent civilians.”
Since 2017, prosecutors say the men sent thousands of dollars to Cameroon for weapons and explosives. Their alleged crimes escalated over seven years.
In 2022, fighters allegedly under their command kidnapped a government official and broadcast propaganda videos. The following year brought deadlier attacks.
Kuah allegedly helped plan a bombing targeting a regional governor in 2023. He later financed an improvised explosive device attack at the Mount Cameroon Race for Hope that injured 19 people.
That same year, a commander appointed by Kuah murdered two unarmed civilians in a market square. Wongbi appeared in a propaganda video threatening others with similar violence.
The violence reached its peak in 2024. Kuah allegedly approved funding for a Youth Day celebration bombing that killed a 15-year-old girl and injured dozens of children.
“Operating from the comfort of their living rooms in Minnesota, these defendants caused violence and suffering half a world away,” said Acting U.S. Attorney Joseph H. Thompson. “They ordered kidnappings, bombings, and murders.”
The men raised money through online campaigns with names like “The Takeover Fund” and “Operation 200AKs.” These solicited donations for AK-47 rifles and explosives. Kuah appeared in multiple videos urging supporters to fund weapons and ammunition purchases.
The grand jury returned an eight-count indictment covering conspiracy charges and material support for terrorism.
Both men face potential life sentences if convicted. They appeared in court on Friday afternoon and remain in custody pending detention hearings scheduled for September 10 and 11.
“Minnesota is not a launchpad for overseas violence,” Thompson added. The FBI’s Minneapolis Field Office is leading the investigation with assistance from multiple federal agencies.